Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain is a major global health problem that significantly affects quality of life and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data, this study analyzed temporal trends in chronic pain across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. We further examined the influence of the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), explored age- and sex-specific patterns, and projected the future burden of chronic pain through 2032. Cardiovascular diseases data were also analyzed for correlations with chronic pain. RESULTS: Results showed a significant positive association between SDI and age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), with higher burdens in more developed regions, especially for cancer- and arthritis-related pain. Apart from headaches, most types of chronic pain-including low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis-related pain, and rheumatoid arthritis-related pain-were more prevalent in older adults. Females were generally more affected by musculoskeletal and arthritis-related pain, while males showed higher rates of gout- and pancreatitis-related pain. Projections suggest that the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and other musculoskeletal pain will continue to rise, whereas gout-, back-, neck-, and pancreatitis-related pain are expected to decline. Notably, chronic pain showed significant positive correlations with several cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease and stroke. DISCUSSION: The global burden of chronic pain remains substantial and unevenly distributed by sex, age, and SDI level. The observed association between chronic pain and cardiovascular diseases highlights the need for integrated management strategies targeting both conditions.