The burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to dietary risk factors in China, 1990-2021

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major public health challenge in China, and dietary factors play a crucial role in its development. Understanding the trends and key dietary risk factors of diet-related CVD is essential for formulating effective prevention and control strategies. This study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 to conduct a comprehensive analysis of dietary risk factors associated with CVD in China over the period from 1990 to 2021. The analysis focused on various dietary components and their relationships with CVD-related mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). In 2021, the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for diet-related CVD was 77.76 per 100,000 population, and the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) was 1,499.58 per 100,000 population. A diet high in sodium continued to be the leading dietary risk factor. Notably, diets high in processed meat, low in polyunsaturated fatty acids, low in whole grains, and high in sugar-sweetened beverages showed upward trends. Among these, the death and DALY rates associated with high sugar-sweetened beverage consumption demonstrated the most significant growth. The findings highlight the urgent need to implement ongoing preventive measures. Prioritizing strategies to reduce sodium intake, increase whole grain and fruit consumption, and limit the intake of processed meats and sugary beverages is crucial for mitigating the burden of CVD in China. Healthcare practitioners and policymakers can use these insights to develop targeted interventions and public health policies.

Fig. 1

(a) The numbers and the age-standardized rates of cardiovascular disease death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in China between 1990 and 2021, overall and by sex; (b) the numbers and the age-standardized rates of cardiovascular disease death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to dietary risk factors in China between 1990 and 2021, overall and by sex.

Fig. 2

The burden of CVD deaths and DALYs attributable to dietary risk factors in China, by age groups and sex between 1990 and 2021. (a) Age-specific rates of death in 1990; (b) Age-specific rates of DALY in 1990; (c) Age-specific rates of death in 2021; (d) Age-specific rates of DALY in 2021; DALYs disability-adjusted life years.