Abstract
BACKGROUND: This research assesses how fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution influences cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) globally. METHODS: Utilizing data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, we assessed the impact of PM2.5 pollution on CVDs in individuals aged 25 and older. The health burden was quantified using measures such as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized rates (ASRs), and the effective annual percentage change (EAPC). Joinpoint regression models were used to describe the temporal trends of CVD burdens, while the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models were employed to project the CVD burdens through 2030. Frontier analysis was conducted to identify potential areas for improvement and gaps between the development statuses of different countries. Decomposition analysis was applied to assess the impact of population growth, aging, and epidemiological changes on the burden of CVDs. RESULTS: Despite a decline in ASRs for both sexes, males continued to bear a disproportionate burden of CVDs. While substantial reductions in ASRs have been noted in Western Europe and High-income North America, smaller decreases in the EAPC have been seen in South Asia, Oceania, and Western Sub-Saharan Africa; however, Oceania faces the highest mortality burden. An inverse relationship between the sociodemographic index (SDI) and ASRs is evident nationally. Meanwhile, Afghanistan and Egypt reported elevated ASRs, and Iceland recorded the lowest rate. Projections suggest a potential reversal in ASRs by 2021. A decomposition analysis revealed that intracerebral hemorrhage poses the greatest burden in middle SDI regions, while ischemic heart disease is notably burdensome in high SDI and high-middle SDI regions. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the disproportionate burden of CVDs associated with PM2.5 pollution, particularly in males and lower SDI regions, with significant regional disparities and projections indicating potential reversals in trends.