HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION: UPDATE ON THE NATIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE

Abstract

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a chronic disease defined by the persistent measurement of elevated blood pressure levels. The main risk factors contributing to the development of the disease are: pollution, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, use of medications, alcoholism, high sodium intake, as well as genetic factors. This is a descriptive ecological study, with temporal analysis, conducted between January 2020 and November 2025. Data from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) were used, in addition to articles from the PUBMED, SciELO, and Scopus databases for theoretical contextualization, totaling 8 articles for a more detailed analysis. A higher number of hospitalizations were observed in more urbanized states, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Goiás, and the Federal District. In the regional analysis, the Northeast region had the highest number of hospitalizations, followed by the Southeast region. A higher prevalence was observed among males, but females accounted for a greater proportion of hospitalizations. Regional, age-related, and ethnic-racial differences were evident, as well as significant limitations in information systems, particularly concerning the completion of sociodemographic variables. It is therefore evident that hypertension is multifactorial and complex, requiring an approach that considers both the individual and associated risk factors, including socioeconomic and genetic characteristics.