DEATHS FROM STROKE IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION OF BRAZIL AND THE STATE OF PARANÁ BETWEEN 2013 AND 2023: RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION

Abstract

Introduction: The aging population has significantly contributed to the increase in the burden of chronic diseases and acute events such as stroke (AVC), which is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in Brazil, particularly among the elderly. Stroke, classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic, poses a substantial risk to public health. Objective: To analyze deaths from stroke in the elderly Brazilian population, focusing on Paraná. Methodology: A descriptive time series analysis was conducted using data from the Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) extracted from DATASUS. The analysis considered age group, gender, and type of stroke. Descriptive statistics and segmented regression techniques were applied to identify trends and changes over time. Results: An increasing trend in stroke-related deaths was observed during and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among older age groups. The highest number of deaths occurred in individuals aged 80 years or older, indicating an escalating risk with advancing age. Regionally, the Southeast region accounted for the largest number of stroke deaths, while Paraná recorded 2,932 deaths among the elderly, representing 1.4% of the national total. With a male predominance of 59%, these data indicate a proportionally lower mortality compared to the Southeast and Northeast regions. Discussion: Stroke is one of the primary causes of disability and death among the elderly in Brazil. The prevalence of cardioembolic strokes, often related to atrial fibrillation, along with the frailty of patients complicates recovery, necessitating preventive interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the incidence of strokes and mortality, highlighting the need for more efficient care. With the aging population, it is crucial to implement public health policies focused on the prevention and management of cerebrovascular diseases. Conclusion: There was a significant increase in deaths, particularly among older age groups, with the situation further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study acknowledges certain limitations, such as reliance on secondary data from SIH/SUS and an ecological approach, which may hinder the identification of direct causal relationships. Thus, the evidence underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent strokes in the elderly and for public policies that take regional specificities into account.