Global burden of cardiovascular diseases in young adults aged 20-24 years from 1990-2021: an analysis of Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global health threat, with young adults (20–24 years) increasingly affected despite historical research focus on older populations. This study investigates global, regional, and national CVD burden trends in this age group from 1990 to 2021 using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021). <h3>Methods</h3> Age-standardized prevalence (ASPR), incidence (ASIR), mortality (ASMR), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were analyzed for CVDs in 20–24-year-olds. Trends were stratified by sex, region, and Sociodemographic Index (SDI) levels. <h3>Results</h3> Globally, ASIR and ASPR rose steadily since 1990, accelerating post-2000, while ASMR and DALYs declined after 2006. Females exhibited higher incidence/prevalence, whereas males bore greater mortality/DALY burdens. Low/low-middle SDI regions (e.g., Oceania, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa/Middle East) faced the highest burdens. Eritrea led in ASIR/ASPR, while Nauru had the highest ASMR/DALYs. Ischemic heart disease dominated mortality/DALYs, rheumatic heart disease showed highest prevalence (more in females), and stroke impacted males disproportionately. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Despite reduced mortality/DALYs, rising CVD incidence/prevalence in young adults—particularly in low-SDI settings—signals a growing public health crisis. Targeted preventive measures, early screening, and health promotion are critical to address this emerging challenge.