Burden of ischemic heart disease in China from 1990 to 2021: Data from the global disease burden database 2021

This study aims to analyze the disease burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in China from 1990 to 2021 utilizing data from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Data from the GBD 2021 database were used to evaluate the prevalence, incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) attributable to IHD in China from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardized rates and Joinpoint analysis were employed to assess temporal trends, with comparisons across gender and age groups. In 2021, the incidence rate was 365.67 per 100,000 population (95 % CI: 293.32–440.07), and the mortality rate was 110.91 per 100,000 population (95 % CI: 92.42–128.56). Males exhibited a significantly higher disease burden compared to females. Among the population, incidence rates increased markedly after age 60, peaking at ages 70–74, while mortality rates rose sharply after age 75. From 1990 to 2021, the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates showed an upward trend. However, after age standardization, the trends for incidence and prevalence flattened, while mortality and DALY rates showed a downward trend. Joinpoint analysis indicated a downward trend in age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates. The overall burden of IHD in China remains high, but age-standardized data reflects the effectiveness of disease prevention and control. In the future, greater emphasis should be placed on high-risk populations, particularly aging population and postmenopausal women, to further alleviate the social burden of IHD. • The burden of ischemic heart disease in China remains high, but age-standardized data show progress in prevention and control. As the population ages, targeted interventions for high-risk groups are needed to further reduce the socioeconomic burden. • This study innovates by using the GBD 2021 database (released May 2024), which includes 2020–2021 data, unlike prior research relying on GBD 2019. No previous Chinese ischemic heart disease studies have utilized GBD 2021. • Despite COVID-19's impact in 2020-2021, China's ischemic heart disease mortality and DALYs remained stable, demonstrating effective pandemic response, sustained patient care, and improved healthcare capacity.