Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Introduction: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of death and illness in the United States, incurring annual costs of $219 billion. Modifiable risk factors significantly contribute to the prevalence of CVD. This study is the first to estimate the burden of CVD attributable to high body mass index (HBMI) on CVD in the US over the past three decades, including the initial two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method: Using global burden of disease study 2021 standardized methodology, we estimated deaths, disability adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs) due to CVD attributable to HBMI by age, sex, year and location across the US from 1990-2021.
Results: From 1990-2021, the total percentage change (TPC) in deaths attributable to CVD linked to HBMI increased by 54% (95% Uncertainty Interval: 36% to 92%), and YLDs soared by 159% (128% to 207%). In 2021, the highest number of deaths was recorded from ischemic heart disease at 85,522, followed by hypertensive heart disease at 43,430, stroke at 13,886, atrial fibrillation and flutter at 5,278, lower extremity peripheral arterial disease at 3,098, and aortic aneurysm at 1,295. Oklahoma exhibited the highest age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) due to CVD from HBMI at 49.46 (33.57-68.08) per 100,000 person-years, with the lowest in Massachusetts at 16 (8.16-25.32) in 2021. Louisiana reported the highest YLDs rate at 72.58 (31.04-120.32). The age group 70-74 years old saw the highest number of deaths at 17,997, with the most years of life lost in the 60-64 age group at 430,068 and the highest YLDs in the 70-74 age group at 49,054. Males showed a greater increase in burden compared to females, with TPC in deaths at 65% vs. 42%, DALYs at 59% vs. 43%, and YLDs at 193% vs. 130% from 1990-2021.
Conclusion: Deaths due to CVD attributable to HBMI accounted for 16.83% of all CVD related deaths in US in 2021. To combat this trend, it is essential to launch comprehensive health campaigns that leverage the power of e-health and mobile health technologies. These platforms should be utilized to disseminate evidence-based healthcare strategies and preventive measures. Furthermore, engaging influencers and celebrities in these campaigns can amplify the reach and impact, encouraging broader public adoption of healthier lifestyles. Such innovative and inclusive public health initiatives are crucial for reversing the rising trend in CVD-related health burdens.