Epidemiology and Burden of Heart Failure in Asia

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) represents a complex clinical syndrome affecting multiple organs and systems of the body, which is a global public health concern because of its high prevalence, mortality, and medical cost. Asia, with its vast population, diverse ethnicities, and complex health care systems, faces challenges in the prevention and management of HF. However, unlike in Western nations, data on HF epidemiology is still limited in Asia. In this review, we will summarize available information regarding the burden of HF in Asia from the aspects of occurrence, etiology and risk factors, outcome, and management of HF, to provide insights for reducing the burden of HF and improving the prognosis of patients with HF.

Keywords: Asia; epidemiology; global burden of diseases; heart failure.

Graphical abstract

Figure 1

Age-Standardized Prevalence Rate of Heart Failure in Asia From GBD 2019 From the GBD (Global Burden of Disease) data, the national and territorial age-standardized rate (ASR) of heart failure prevalence ranged from 211.86 to 1,032.84 cases per 100,000 population in Asia. China (1,032.84), Indonesia (900.90), and Malaysia (809.47) are the 3 highest nations in terms of ASR for prevalence of HF in 2019. Conversely, Nepal (211.86), Bhutan (255.54), and Bangladesh (275.00) reported the lowest rates.

Figure 2

Prevalence of HF in Asia From GBD 1990 to 2019 (A) ASR of HF prevalence among 5 Asian GBD (Global Burden of Disease) data regions from 1990 to 2019. 3 showed a decrease in the ASR of HF from 1990 to 2019, with the largest decreases being in high-income Asia Pacific (22.10%), followed by Central Asia (6.56%) and East Asia (4.36%). Only 2 GBD regions in Asia showed an increased trend, with the Southeast Asia (3.68%) and South Asia (4.22%). (B) Unstandardized prevalence of HF in 5 Asian GBD regions from 1990 to 2019. The absolute numbers of HF prevalent cases among all Asian regions have increased from 1990 to 2019 (from 33% increase in Central Asia to 186% increase in East Asia). Abbreviations as in Figure 1.

Central Illustration

Epidemiology and Burden of Heart Failure in Asia This review summarizes the occurrence, causes, outcomes, and management of heart failure (HF) in Asia, from both the GBD (Global Burden of Disease) data and registry studies. The prevalence of HF in Asia is high; China, Indonesia, and Malaysia are the 3 highest nations in terms of age-standardized prevalence. The age-standardized prevalence of HF only increased in Southeast Asia and South Asia from 1990 to 2019. The leading causes of HF worldwide and in Asia are ischemic heart disease and hypertensive heart disease. The 1-year mortality of Asian HF patients is still high. Thus, it is urgently needed to strengthen the prevention and standardized management of HF in Asia.