Analysis of mortality and hospitalization for cardiovascular diseases in Niterói, between 1998 and 2007.

BACKGROUND The reduction in mortality from cardiovascular disease has been observed in Brazil for years, attributed to a fall in risk factors, improved treatment and reduced hospital mortality. OBJECTIVE To compare the mortality, the rate of hospitalization and hospital mortality in hospitals belonging to the Brazilian Public Health System, for ischemic heart disease (IHD), cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and heart failure (HF), in Niterói, between 1998 and 2007. METHODS We used the number of deaths and hospitalizations and mortality of residents in Niterói for Chapter IX of ICD10 and specific causes available in Datasus, in population aged 30 and older. The difference between the magnitude of the indicators was calculated for men and women taking the average of the first three year period less the average of the second three year period. RESULTS There was drop in population mortality rates in men and women for all age groups, in three groups of causes and for Chapter IX. The falling trend of rates decreased with age. For IHD there was a decrease in hospital mortality. For CVD and HF, there was an increase. The rates of hospitalization from IHD decreased, with exception of some ranges. CONCLUSION This study has clarified some aspects of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Niterói. The reduction in population and hospital mortality from IHD indicates that there is a better approach in this condition. Increased mortality rate from cerebrovascular diseases and HF points to the need to give greater attention to the quality of hospital care for these groups of diseases.