PULMONARY arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare yet life-threatening vascular condition, predominantly affects older adults and women, according to new findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Characterized by restricted blood flow and high pressure in the pulmonary arteries, PAH often progresses to heart failure and remains a significant cause of death and disability globally.
The study, which analyzed data from 204 countries over three decades, provides the most comprehensive estimates of PAH’s prevalence and mortality. In 2021, an estimated 192,000 individuals worldwide lived with PAH, with 62% of cases occurring in females. Age-standardized prevalence was reported at 2.28 cases per 100,000 population, increasing significantly among individuals aged 75–79.
Although PAH remains a serious disease, its global burden has improved substantially over time, with a 38.2% reduction in age-standardized years of life lost (YLLs) between 1990 and 2021. However, it continues to account for mortality rates comparable to chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease, with 22,000 deaths attributed to PAH in 2021.
These findings highlight the critical need for targeted research and treatment strategies, particularly for aging populations and women. By isolating PAH from broader cardiovascular conditions, this study lays the groundwork for better understanding and managing this complex disease.
Reference: Leary PJ et al. Global, regional, and national burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Respir Med. 2024.
