Heart failure mortality trend in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To assess mortality trend due to heart failure (HF) in Salvador - Bahia, from 1979 to 1995. METHODS HF was defined by notations from the 9th Review of International Disease Code (IDC9) 428.0, 428.1 and 428.9. HF death and population data (metropolitan area of Salvador) were obtained by means of Secretaria de Saúde da Bahia (Bahia State Health Secretariat) and Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics). Mortality rates (/ 100,000) were total or per gender and age, and gross or adapted per age (straight standardization). RESULTS Mortality rates due to HF had a progressive reduction in the period of time assessed, for both genders, especially up to 1992. From then and up to 1995, there was an apparent stabilization of the curves. Gross mortality rate went from 25.0/105, in 1979, to 16.4/105 inhabitants, in 1995 (a decrease of 34.4%). The reduction was 34.0% (23.3/105, in 1979, to 15.4/105 inhabitants, in 1995) for male sex and 35.2% (26.7/105, in 1979, to 17.3/105 inhabitants, in 1995), for female sex. The same trend took place in several age ranges, including the population ³ 40 years old, which has a greater risk for HF. After adaptation per age (standard population of 1979), it is observed that relative reductions in the rates were even greater. Mailing Address: Adriana Lopes Latado • Rua Rosa dos Ventos, 39/1002 - Horto Ed. Pedra Alta - 40223-010 - Salvador, BA – Brazil E-mail: adrianalatado@cardiol.br Received on 09/25/04 • Accepted on 03/04/05 CONCLUSION Mortality due to HF, in Salvador-Bahia, decreased from 1979 to 1992, becoming stable from then to 1995.