COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE INCREASE IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE-RELATED MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN BRAZIL: DURING AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD (2020–2024)

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitalization and mortality rates for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), Stroke, and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in Brazil between 2020 and 2024. Data were obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), considering temporal, regional, and gender-related variations. A significant increase in hospital admissions was observed after the initial phase of the pandemic, reflecting both the backlog of postponed care and the cardiovascular effects associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A progressive reduction in lethality was also noted throughout the study period, suggesting improvements in hospital care quality and greater access to specialized therapies. The findings highlight the need for public policies that expand access to specialized care, reduce regional and gender inequalities, and strengthen strategies for cardiovascular prevention and monitoring.