Abstract 4370599: Global Trends in Congenital Heart Disease Mortality: A 31-Year Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study (1990–2021)

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are among the most common birth defects worldwide and represent a growing global health concern. These conditions range from common defects such as ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, and patent ductus arteriosus to more complex and life-threatening anomalies including Tetralogy of Fallot, Transposition of the Great Arteries, Truncus Arteriosus, and Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. While advances in prenatal screening, early diagnosis, and surgical interventions have improved outcomes in many high-income settings, significant disparities in CHD-related mortality persist globally. Objective: This study aims to analyze global trends in CHD mortality from 1990 to 2021 using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study data, with a focus on the average annual percent change (AAPC) in age-standardized death rates (ASDRs). Methods: A retrospective trend analysis was performed using CHD mortality data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study for the years 1990 to 2021. Age-standardized death rates (ASDRs) per 100,000 population were extracted and analyzed globally and by individual country. The average annual percent change (AAPC) in ASDRs was calculated to assess trends, with particular focus on high-income countries. Results: Globally, CHD mortality demonstrated modest overall declines, though regional disparities persist. High-income countries, including San Marino (AAPC: -0.126), Andorra (-0.085), Luxembourg (-0.079), Singapore (-0.068), and the Republic of Korea (-0.055), showed gradual reductions in ASDRs. Conversely, slight increases in CHD mortality were observed in countries such as Argentina (0.034), Brunei Darussalam (0.018), and Uruguay (0.015). Conclusion: While global progress has been made in reducing CHD mortality, significant geographic disparities remain. Countries exhibiting persistently high or rising mortality rates require targeted public health strategies, including enhanced prenatal and newborn screening, improved access to pediatric cardiac care, and long-term follow-up programs to ensure better health outcomes for affected individuals.