Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Brazil between 1996 and 2019

Abstract

Background: cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are Brazil’s leading causes of death in women and men. This study analyzed age-adjusted death rate (DRaj) trends from all causes of death (ACD), CVD, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and stroke in women and men aged 35 to 74 years from 1996 to 2019. Methods: We analyzed DRaj trends for all causes of death (ACD), CVD, IHD, and stroke. Data were from the Ministry of Health mortality database. Joinpoint Regression Program™ performed trend analysis and adjustments in death rates. Average annual percentage change (AAPC) determined the intensity of changes. Results: In women, DRaj reduced for ACD (AAPC = −1.6%); CVD (AAPC = −2.6%); IHD (AAPC = −1.9%); and stroke (AAPC = −4.6%) (p < 0.001 for all). In men, ACD reduced from 1996 to 2004 (AAPC = −0.9%; p < 0.001), from 2012 to 2019 (AAPC = −1.9%; p < 0.001), and unchanged from 2004 to 2012; CVD (AAPC = −2.1%); IHD (AAPC = −1.5%); stroke (AAPC = −4.9%) (p < 0.001 for all) reduced from 1996 to 2019. From 1996 to 2019, the male/female ratio for ACD remained unchanged. CVD increased from 1.58 to 1.83, IHD from 1.99 to 2.30, and stroke from 1.52 to 1.83. Conclusion: ACD, CVD, IHD, and stroke were reduced more significantly in women, and the ratio of CVD, IHD, and CVD in men and women increased more in men. Future studies will be needed to determine the main factors responsible for a better outcome in women.