Trends in overall mortality and from diseases of the circulatory system in elderly individuals in Rio Branco, Acre, 1980-2012

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To analyze trends in general mortality and circulatory system disease mortality among elderly persons living in the city of Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil, from 1980 to 2012. Method: A study of the cause of death of elderly people was carried out from the data available in the Brazilian Mortality Information System. Crude and age-based overall and circulatory system mortality rates were calculated. The trend analyses of these rates were performed using the JoinPoint Regression program. Results: Despite the reductions in mortality rates, diseases of the circulatory system remained the main cause of death of the elderly in Rio Branco. The decrease in overall mortality rates was higher among elderly women and those aged 70 years or older. There was a tendency for death rates due to diseases of the circulatory system to decline among elderly men and grow among elderly women. Conclusion: The mortality rate among the elderly in Rio Branco revealed a declining trend. Deaths from diseases of the circulatory system were the leading cause of death, suggesting that research should be carried out to assess the need for investment to ensure that increased longevity is accompanied by good quality of life.