EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF DEATH REPORTS IN YOUNG ADULTS, DUE TO ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, IN BRAZIL, FROM 2019 TO 2023.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been the leading cause of death in Brazil since the 1960s and globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 17.9 million people die annually due to CVDs, with a projection of 25 million annual deaths by 2030. In Brazil, Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of death. AMI is characterized by intense pain on the left side of the chest, which may radiate to the left arm, jaw, shoulders, and other areas. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment can prevent deaths, but these are not widely available due to high costs and concentration in large urban centers. Objective: To analyze the quantity and variables of deaths due to acute myocardial infarction in Brazil between 2019 and 2023 and highlight the persistence of the disease in the national scenario. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective and descriptive epidemiological research with a quantitative approach, using data obtained from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), based on notifications of deaths in Brazil due to acute myocardial infarction between 2019 and 2023. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: Between 2019 and 2023, there was an increase in the number of deaths due to AMI in Brazil, with an average of 217 cases annually. There was a consistent growth over these years, from 195 deaths in 2019 to 260 deaths in 2023. This potential rise in incidence suggests changes in risk factors and the inefficacy of prevention and treatment measures for the disease. The study showed that 65.3% of deaths were male and 34.7% female, attributed in part to the cardiovascular protection of female hormones. Regarding regions of the country, the Southeast accounted for the majority of deaths (43.1%), followed by the Northeast (25.9%), South (16.5%), North (7.5%), and Midwest (7.0%). Differences between regions may be associated with socioeconomic conditions, risk factors, and lifestyle. In terms of age groups, they were categorized as follows: 15 to 19 years represented 2.1% (23 people), 20 to 29 years were 6.6% (72 people), and 30 to 39 years comprised 15.2% (165 people). In all age groups analyzed, there was a significant increase, possibly associated with lifestyle changes. Regarding race, 27.1% of deaths were White, 7.8% Black, 41.1% Brown, 1.8% Yellow, and 0.1% Indigenous. Additionally, 22.0% did not report their race. CONCLUSION: The results emphasize the need for public health policies aimed at both preventing and equitably treating cardiovascular diseases in different population groups and regions of Brazil.