The epidemiology and burden of cardiovascular diseases in countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), 1990–2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has undergone substantial epidemiological changes over the past three decades, characterised by a growing burden of cardiovascular disease. This study provides an epidemiological overview of cardiovascular diseases across ASEAN. Methods: As part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021, we assessed the prevalence, mortality, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of 12 cardiovascular diseases, stratified by age, sex, and location, for ten ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam) from 1990 to 2021. We examined the contribution of major risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Diverse data sources and meta-analytical modelling techniques were used to synthesise data and generate consistent estimates for each metric. Findings: In 2021, there were 36·8 million (95% uncertainty interval 34·4–38·8) prevalent cases of cardiovascular disease and 1·66 million (1·51–1·80) cardiovascular disease deaths across ASEAN. The total number of DALYs was 42·4 million (38·4–46·2), making cardiovascular disease the leading cause of disease burden in the region. Compared with 1990, the number of individuals with cardiovascular disease has increased by 148·1% (144·0–152·5), whereas the age-standardised prevalence rate rose by 2·5% (1·4–3·6). The highest age-standardised prevalence rate was in Malaysia, followed by Indonesia. The top three leading cardiovascular diseases with the highest age-standardised prevalence rates were ischaemic heart disease (2070·6 [1831·3–2358·2] per 100 000 people), lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (1380·8 [1189·8–1598·7] per 100 000 people), and stroke (1300·6 [1230·5–1375·4] per 100 000 people). The age-standardised mortality rate was highest in Laos (410·9 deaths [337·2–485·9] per 100 000 people). Most cardiovascular disease burden was attributed to high systolic blood pressure, dietary risks, air pollution, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and tobacco use, with high BMI and high fasting plasma glucose rapidly rising as attributive factors. Interpretation: Cardiovascular disease remained the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in ASEAN in 2021. The number of individuals with cardiovascular disease is expected to rise with an ageing population and socioeconomic advancement. Given the disparities across ASEAN, interventions must be tailored at all levels to address the needs in prevention, treatment, and management. Funding: The Gates Foundation.