The disease burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is significant, accounting for approximately 400 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2019 globally. Despite multinational and multipronged cardiovascular preventative strategies, the global burden of CVDs has continued to rise. In particular, the CVD epidemic in Asia is especially pertinent that 60% of global cardiovascular (CV) deaths in 2019 were reported in Asia.

Previous studies describing the CVD burden in Asia were based mainly on historical data. Nonetheless, a forecast of the CVD burden and its associated metabolic, environmental, and behavioural risk factors will allow comparisons of the continental geospatial-specific CVD burden and inform policymakers in constructing tailored interventions to improve the CVD trajectory and ameliorate cardinal CV risk factors. In this regard, Goh et al. (2025) constructed regression models predicting prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to CVD and risk factors in Asia in the coming decades using the data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study.

The forecast between 2025 and 2050 suggested that crude cardiovascular mortality is expected to rise 91.2% despite a 23.0% decrease in the age-standardised cardiovascular mortality rate (ASMR). Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are expected to remain leading drivers of ASMR in 2050. Central Asia will have the highest ASMR, while high-income Asia sub-regions will incur an ASMR of 22 deaths per 100,000 in 2050. Essentially, high systolic blood pressure will contribute the highest ASMR throughout Asia.

References

12. Goh et al. Lancet Reg Health West Pac 2024; 49: 101138.