Epidemiological analysis of hospitalizations and mortality due to acute myocardial infarction in Baixada Maranhense (2015–2024).

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally and nationally. In Brazil, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most frequent acute clinical manifestation of coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of cardiovascular death. In this perspective, it is essential to investigate the epidemiological profile of AMI in different regions of Brazil, such as the Baixada Maranhense. Thus, this study aimed to analyze hospitalizations and deaths due to AMI in the Baixada Maranhense over the last decade. This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, and retrospective epidemiological study. Secondary data were extracted from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), Hospital Morbidity section, ICD-10 code (I121), with a time frame from 2015 to 2025. To analyze the statistical association between categorical variables and the outcome of hospital death, JAMOVI software was used to apply the Chi-square contingency test, with a significance level of 5%. There were 416 hospitalizations recorded in the analyzed period, with a higher incidence in males, brown skin color/race, and the 60-69 age group. Regarding the death profile, there was a predominance among males, brown skin color/race, and the 70-79 age group. In the statistical analysis, a significant association was observed between death and age group (p=0.009). In addition, during the pandemic period, there was a decrease in hospitalizations related to low demand for medical care. The limitations of the study include the use of secondary data, which are subject to underreporting and inconsistencies. The results of this study reinforce the need for health strategies focused on prevention, especially in the elderly, as well as the importance of implementing specific care protocols and expanding the structure of equipment for timely diagnosis and treatment.