Burden of High Systolic Blood Pressure in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990 to 2021: Results From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

BACKGROUND

High systolic blood pressure (HSBP) is a significant public health issue, increasing the risk of various chronic and acute diseases. This study comprehensively analyzes the HSBP-attributed burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).

METHODS

We extracted and analyzed data on deaths, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), years of life lost, years lived with disability, and summary exposure values (SEVs) related to HSBP from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study for the EMR countries from 1990 to 2021.

RESULTS

In 2021, HSBP accounted for an estimated age-standardized death rate of 228.4 (95% UI: 189.6 to 266) and DALYs rate of 4554.9 (3719.7 to 5279.6) per 100,000 population in the EMR. From 1990 to 2021, there was a 12.7% and 14.1% decline in age-standardized death and DALYs rates linked to HSBP, respectively, with greater reduction among women. During this period, all countries except Pakistan and Libya experienced a decrease in age-standardized death and DALYs rates, and also countries with higher socio-demographic index (SDI) reported a lower burden attributable to HSBP in 2021. Despite the overall reduction in burden, age-standardized SEVs of HSBP increased by 21.3% (12.2% to 31.7%) from 1990 to 2021, with a more significant rise in men than in women.

CONCLUSION

While the HSBP-attributed burden has decreased in the EMR from 1990 to 2021, the increasing trend in age-standardized SEVs indicates a rising exposure. Therefore, implementing effective strategies aimed at further reducing the burden and exposure values of HSBP in this region is essential.