Wang F, Yu Y, Mubarik S, et al. - Despite a worldwide decrease in the trend in ischemic heart disease (IHD) morbidity and mortality, a high IHD burden especially in regions with lower socio-demographic index (SDI) was observed from 1990 to 2017. Successful and effective control of IHD risks and reduction in health disparities are important to attenuate the IHD burden.

• IHD burden was estimated for 21 regions across the world from 1990 to 2017.

• In 2017, 10.6 million IHD cases occurred globally, with 8.9 million IHD-related deaths.

• From 1990 to 2017, a decrease in age-standardized incidence rate and death rate was evident (% change: 27.4% and 30.0%, respectively), with average annual % change values of − 1.2% and − 1.3%, respectively.

• Globally, IHD-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) was 170.3 million in 2017, with the greatest contribution from the middle SDI quintile.

• A steady decline in indicators (incidence, mortality, and DALYs) was observed with SDI increased, in most regions.

• The most significant contributor to the DALYs, in most regions, was high systolic blood pressure, followed by high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a diet low in nuts and seeds.