Temporal Trends in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Brazil, 2010–2022: An Analysis Based on the SUS (DATASUS) Data-base

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been the leading cause of mortality in Brazil for decades. This study aims to analyze the temporal trends in CVD mortality from 2010 to 2022, utilizing data from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) estimates. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive analysis was conducted using mortality data from the SUS Mortality Information System (SIM) and GBD estimates. Age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated for the entire CVD category and its subtypes, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), cerebrovascular diseases, heart failure, and hypertensive heart diseases. Results: CVD mortality rates showed a general decline from 2010 to 2019, with a noticeable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. IHD remained the leading cause of CVD-related deaths, accounting for approximately 32% of such deaths in 2021 and 37% in 2022. The Southeast region exhibited the highest mortality rates, particularly among males aged 60–79 years. Conclusions: The decline in CVD mortality from 2010 to 2019 reflects improvements in public health interventions and healthcare access. However, the pandemic-induced increase in mortality underscores the vulnerability of the cardiovascular health system. Strengthening preventive measures and healthcare infrastructure is essential to mitigate future risks.