Global Burden of Rheumatic and Non-Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease: A Systematic Analysis

Strategic Insights -

Recent research has shed light on the global trends of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and non-rheumatic valvular heart disease (NRVHD) from 1990 to 2021. According to the study, the incidence of RHD was estimated at 3.85 million cases in 2021, with a higher prevalence among females (53.41%). RHD accounted for 373,345 deaths, with females comprising 56.98% of these. The study also highlighted the significant increase in the incidence and mortality of NRVHD, particularly in high-income countries, driven by aging populations and lifestyle-related risk factors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed global trends of RHD and NRVHD from 1990 to 2021 and projected to 2036.
  • In 2021, the global incidence of RHD was estimated at 3.85 million cases, with a higher prevalence among females (53.41%).
  • RHD accounted for 373,345 deaths, with females comprising 56.98% of these.
  • NRVHD is rising among older adults in high-income regions, despite its overall incidence being lower than RHD.
  • The study concluded that RHD disproportionately affects younger populations in low- and middle-income countries, while NRVHD is increasingly prevalent among older adults in high-income countries.
  • The researchers emphasized the need for early diagnosis and timely intervention to mitigate the worldwide impact of these conditions.
  • The study found that high-income countries experienced a decline in RHD mortality, but an increase in NRVHD mortality.
  • The incidence and mortality of NRVHD increased significantly from 1990 to 2021, driven by aging populations and lifestyle-related risk factors.
  • The researchers identified Asia as a region with a significant burden of RHD and NRVHD.

Statistics:

  • In 2021, the global incidence of RHD was estimated at 3.85 million cases (95% UI: 3,056,084.82-4,783,797.73).
  • RHD accounted for 373,345 deaths (95% UI: 324,139.65-444,761.76), with females comprising 56.98% of these.
  • DALYs due to RHD totaled 13.43 million (95% UI: 11,517,020.93-15,780,163.69), with females representing 55.05%.
  • The incidence of NRVHD reached 2.21 million cases (95% UI: 2,048,266.87-2,375,325.37), predominantly among males (60.17%).
  • NRVHD-related deaths totaled 181,078 (95% UI: 155,363.66-195,716.85), with females accounting for a higher proportion (58.79%).
  • DALYs due to NRVHD reached 3.24 million (95% UI: 2,934,104.15-3,594,473.74).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism Reports Findings in Heart Disease (Global burden of rheumatic vs non-rheumatic valvular heart disease, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study). Heart Disease Weekly. November 2, 2025; p 26.
  • Global burden of rheumatic vs non-rheumatic valvular heart disease, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study. Clinical Rheumatology, 2025.