Abstract
BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a global health concern associated with arterial narrowing or blockage, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the disease burden and trends in mortality utilizing nationwide administrative health data. METHODS: This retrospective study utilized data from the Unified National Electronic Healthcare System (UNEHS) from 2014 to 2021. Patients meeting PAD criteria were included, with demographic and clinical data analyzed. Cox regression and Competing Risk Analysis assessed mortality risks. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2021, 19,507 individuals were hospitalized due to PAD, with 8,332 (43%) being women and 11,175 (57%) men. The incidence of PAD increased markedly over the observation period, rising from 79 individuals per million population (PMP) in 2014 to 309 PMP in 2021. Concurrent heart failure (HF), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), diabetes, and essential hypertension were prevalent in 50%, 27%, 27%, and 26% of the PAD patients, respectively. Competing Risk Analysis showed a subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) of 6.53 [95% CI: 4.65-9.19] for individuals over 80 years. Heart failure was associated with lower all-cause HR [0.80, 95% CI: 0.76-0.86, p < 0.001] but higher SHR [1.30, 95% CI: 1.18-1.44, p < 0.001]. Comorbidities such as heart failure, stroke, and acute myocardial infarction significantly increased mortality risks, while essential hypertension was associated with lower risk of death. CONCLUSION: The significant rise in the incidence rate of PAD underscores the growing burden of the disease, highlighting the urgent need for targeted preventive and management strategies in Kazakhstan.