CIRCULATORY DISEASES: LEADING CAUSE OF HOSPITALIZATION OF ELDERLIES IN BRAZIL BETWEEN 2003 AND 2012

Abstract

Objective: To describe the hospitalization of elderly by circulatory system diseases (CD) in Brazil and Brazilian regions from 2003 to 2012. Material and Methods: This was an ecological study evaluating hospital admissions of elderly due to CD by place of residence. The data was collected from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS). Results: In Brazil, CD were the leading cause of hospitalization of elderlies over the ten-year period analyzed. The main causes followed by CD were diseases of the respiratory system, digestive system and neoplasms; except in 2008, where the third cause was infectious and parasitic diseases. The Southern region showed the highest rate of admissions for CD, compared to other regions of Brazil throughout the years. However, the rates gradually reduced over the period in all regions, in particular the Midwest, which suffered the biggest decline, 49.4%. In 2003, men had higher hospitalization rates in all regions of Brazil than women according to the crude and standard analysis. However, this scenario reversed in 2012, in which women presented higher hospitalization rates due to CD according to the standard analysis. Conclusion: CD are the leading cause of hospitalization among the elderly, although it reduced over the studied period. Thus, CD should continually be monitored, and the programs aimed at its prevention and health promotion should be maintained and enhanced. DESCRIPTORS Elderly. Cardiovascular Diseases. Hospitalization. Epidemiology Descriptive.