EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED BY STROKE IN BRAZIL IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Abstract

This study investigated the epidemiology of hospital admissions by stroke (CVA) in Brazil between 2019 and 2023. Stroke is a serious neurological condition that can be ischemic, due to the obstruction of cerebral blood vessels, or hemorrhagic, caused by the rupture of a vessel. The study used data from the Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), obtained from DATASUS, to analyze variables such as region, age group, sex, race/ethnicity, type of care, and total cost. The results showed that the Southeast had the highest number of hospitalizations, followed by the Northeast and South. The most affected age group was 70 to 79 years old, with a predominance of males and individuals self-identified as brown. Among the years analyzed, 2020 registered the lowest number of hospitalizations, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, 2023 recorded the highest number of cases and expenses, with a total of 196,211 hospitalizations and R$ 360 million in costs. Most hospitalizations were urgent, representing 96.5% of the cases. The findings highlight the importance of preventive strategies, such as the control of risk factors, especially in the elderly. Strengthening primary healthcare and education about stroke warning signs is essential to reduce hospitalizations and the costs associated with treating this condition, which represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country.