What does this research mean for the field?

Globally, PAH-related deaths increased by 48.5%, with a 76.6% surge in high socio-demographic index countries from 1990 to 2021. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to evaluate the global burden and trends associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

February 8, 2026Open Access

The Challenge in Burden of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Perspective From the Global Burden of Disease Study

Key Result

Globally, PAH deaths rose by 48.5% from 1990-2021 with a 76.6% increase in high SDI countries; DALYs declined globally but rose 13.9% in high SDI regions.

Key Points

This research aims to evaluate the global burden and trends associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Analyzed PAH-related DALYs, deaths, and prevalence from 1990 to 2021.
Employed age-period-cohort models and regression analyses for projections to 2050.
Identified trends in DALYs and deaths across varying socio-demographic index (SDI) countries.
Globally, PAH-related DALYs declined by 6.6% but increased by 13.9% in high SDI countries.
Deaths due to PAH rose by 48.5% worldwide, with a 76.6% increase in high SDI nations.
Rising PAH burden observed in older age groups, particularly among females.

Structured PICO

Population

Global population with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) from the Global Burden of Disease Study

Outcome

PAH-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), deaths, and prevalencehard clinical

While global age-standardized rates of PAH-related DALYs have declined, absolute deaths have increased significantly, with a shifting burden toward older populations and projected continued increases by 2050.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) poses significant clinical management challenges due to gaps in understanding its global epidemiology. We analyzed PAH-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), deaths, and prevalence from 1990 to 2021. Age-period-cohort models and regression analyses assessed temporal trends and projected burdens to 2050. Globally, PAH-related DALYs declined by 6.6%, but increased by 13.9% in high socio-demographic index (SDI) countries. Middle SDI regions reported the highest DALYs in 1990 and 2021. Deaths rose by 48.5% worldwide, with high SDI nations experiencing a 76.6% surge. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) of DALYs and deaths decreased across SDI countries, with high-middle SDI regions showing the steepest declines. Younger age groups, especially males, had a higher proportion of global DALYs in earlier years, but the burden shifted toward older populations over time, with this trend more pronounced in high-SDI countries. Age-period-cohort analysis revealed declining DALYs in younger ages but rising rates in older cohorts. By 2050, deaths and prevalence are projected to rise, disproportionately affecting females. Significant regional disparities in PAH burden persist, necessitating targeted policies, improved healthcare access, and early detection strategies, especially in underserved areas. Addressing these disparities is critical for mitigating PAH' s global impact.

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