Burden of aortic aneurysm from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study 2021

Background: Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a life-threatening arterial disease. It is imperative to understand the epidemiology of AA and implement effective interventions. Methods: Publicly available data on deaths and years of life lost (YLLs) from AA between 1990 and 2021 were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease study 2021. Counts and rates for deaths and YLLs were presented, along with their corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals. Estimated annual percentage changes were calculated to reflect the temporal trends in the burden of AA. A Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to generate projections to 2050. Results: The global numbers of deaths and YLLs due to AA have increased from 1990 to 2021. In 2021, 153 927 deaths and 3 107 762 YLLs were attributed to AA. In contrast, the global age-standardized rates (ASRs) of AA-related deaths and YLLs have decreased from 1990 to 2021, with rates of 1.86 and 36.54 per 100 000 population in 2021, respectively. The decline in ASRs of deaths and YLLs was projected to continue until 2050. The burden of AA decreased from 1990 to 2021 in regions and countries with a high socio-demographic index but increased in less developed regions and countries. In 2021, male gender, smoking, and high systolic blood pressure were the primary risk factors contributing to AA. Conclusions: AA remains a major public health concern, especially among the elderly, smokers, and men in less developed countries. Smoking cessation and hypertension control appear to be effective in reducing the burden of AA.