[Regional differences in cardiovascular mortality transition in Brazil, 1980 to 2012].
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the time trend of cardiovascular mortality from 1980 to 2012.


METHODS
We performed an ecological time series study of cardiovascular mortality in Brazil. Data regarding deaths were obtained from the Mortality Information System and divided into two groups: deaths from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and deaths from cerebrovascular disorders (CBVD).


RESULTS
A -34.73% variation in IHD standardized mortality rates was recorded for Brazil. Concerning specific regions, an increase was observed in the Northeast (117.98%%) and the Midwest (10.26%). IHD mortality rates fell in the Southeast (-53.08%), South (-44.56%) and North (-4.39%). For CBVD, the overall variation was -48.10%. Mortality rates were reduced in most regions: -61.99% in the Southeast, -55.49% in the South, -26.91% in the Midwest, and -20.78% in the North. Only the Northeast recorded an increase in CBVD mortality (13.77%).


CONCLUSIONS
We observed an overall declining trend for IHD and CBVD mortality in Brazil from 1980 to 2012, with strong regional variation. Mortality rates were highest in the Southeast and South for both groups of disorders, and lowest in the North and Northeast. Surveillance efforts should take into account the regional differences in epidemiological profile.
Laboratório de Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Raphael Mendonça
RM
Guimarães
Departamento de Vigilância de Doenças e Agravos Não Transmissíveis e Promoção da Saúde, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brasil.
Silvânia Suely Caribé de Araújo
SS
Andrade
Centro de Telessaúde do Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
Elaine Leandro
EL
Machado
Departamento de Vigilância de Doenças e Agravos Não Transmissíveis e Promoção da Saúde, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brasil.
Camila Alves
CA
Bahia
Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Max Moura de
MM
Oliveira
Instituto de Pediatria e Puericultura Martagão Gesteira, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Fatima Valeria Lima
FV
Jacques
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000401:mortality*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000401:mortality; D062306:Geography, Medical; D006801:Humans; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends; D012189:Retrospective Studies