Abstract 4371831: Global Burden and Trends in Cardiovascular Disease Attributable to Dietary Risk Factors Among Women from 1990–2021: A Global Benchmarking Systematic Analysis

Abstract

Background: Suboptimal dietary patterns constitute a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women, yet the global and temporal dynamics of diet related CVD burden remain incompletely characterized. Understanding how specific dietary components have influenced CVD outcomes in women from 1990-2021 can inform targeted prevention strategies across diverse settings. Method: Using Global Burden of Disease 2021 framework, we quantified age-standardized DALYs and deaths due to CVD attributable to dietary risks in women across 204 countries from 1990–2021. Dietary exposure estimates came from population surveys and were linked to CVD outcomes via meta-analytic relative risks. We calculated absolute counts and percentage changes over time, with stratification by age, year and location. Results: From 1990-2021, DALYs for CVD in women attributable to high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages increased by 75%, followed by deficits in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids 48%, insufficient whole grain intake 33%, excessive sodium intake 24%, inadequate fruit consumption 23%, low seafood omega-3 fatty acids 18%, insufficient vegetable intake 15%, inadequate legumes 14%, low nuts and seeds 14%, and inadequate dietary fiber 2%. In contrast, DALYs related to high red meat consumption declined by 1%, while burdens linked to trans fatty acids and processed meats rose by 28% and 34%, respectively. Regionally, South Asia (SA) experienced the largest rise in CVD DALYs due to dietary risks, climbing from 6.76 million to 14.14 million (an increase of 7.78 million), whereas High-SDI regions saw a decline from 7.29 million to 5.17 million (a decrease of 2.12 million). Mortality attributable to dietary risks increased most markedly in SA 136%, followed by Low-Middle SDI 90%, Low SDI 83%, and Sub-Saharan Africa 78% between 1990 and 2021. Age-specific trends revealed that women aged 55 years and older experienced a 38% rise in deaths and a 31% rise in DALYs, whereas those aged 20–54 years saw a 17% increase in both deaths and DALYs over the same period. Conclusion: Over three decades, high sugar-sweetened beverage intake and insufficient whole grains, omega-6 fats, and fruits have driven rising CVD burden in women—most pronounced in SA and lower-SDI regions—while High-SDI areas saw declines. Tailored policies to reduce sugar-sweetened beverages and boost consumption of whole grains, fruits, and polyunsaturated fats are urgently needed to reverse these trends.