CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF DEATHS FROM CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES BEFORE AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE STATE OF MARANHÃO

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are defined by a set of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. In the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant reduction in hospital admissions for all types of CVD. Objective: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological profile of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases in the state of Maranhão. Methods: Epidemiological, documentary, quantitative, descriptive and retrospective research, carried out jointly with the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System, through the Mortality Information System, from 2015 to 2023. Results: A total of 71,052 deaths were recorded, with an annual average of 7,894.67 cases and a mortality rate of 111.61 per 100,000 inhabitants. Before the pandemic, deaths varied slightly, but increased significantly in 2020, reaching a peak in 2022. Most of the victims were men and elderly people aged 80 years or older, with a predominance of acute myocardial infarction and stroke. Vulnerability was higher among brown people and those with low education. Conclusion: These data reinforce the need for effective public health strategies to prevent and manage CVD, especially during health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has aggravated disparities and challenges in cardiovascular care.