Cerebrovascular Disorders

ABC

Special Article

Cardiovascular Statistics – Brazil 2026

Gláucia Maria Moraes de Oliveira et al. Luisa Campos Caldeira Brant Carisi Anne Polanczyk Deborah Carvalho Malta … Andreia Biolo Bruno Ramos Nascimento Maria de Fatima Marinho de Souza Andrea Rocha De Lorenzo Antonio Aurélio de Paiva Fagundes Júnior Arthur Gus Manfro Beatriz D. Schaan Christina Grüne de Souza e Silva Fábio Morato de Castilho Fernando Henpin Yue Cesena Gabriel Porto Soares Gesner Francisco Xavier Junior Jose Augusto Soares Barreto Filho Lucia Campos Pellanda Luciana Nicolau Aranha Luis Eduardo Paim Rohde Luiz Guilherme Passaglia Marcelo Martins Pinto-Filho M. Julia Machline-Carrion Marcio Sommer Bittencourt Octavio M. Pontes Neto Paolo Blanco Villela Paulo Henrique Godoy Renato Azeredo Teixeira Ricardo Stein Roney Orismar Sampaio Thais Rocha Salim Thomas A. Gaziano Pablo Perel Gregory A. Roth Antonio Luiz Pinho Ribeiro

Cardiovascular Statistics – Brazil was established to provide a periodic, comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of cardiovascular health in Brazil and to support clinical practice, research, public health planning, and policy development. Developed under the auspices of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, the initiative brings together a multidisciplinary network of investigators from academic institutions across the country who are responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting data from multiple complementary sources. Since its first edition in 2020, Cardiovascular Statistics – Brazil has sought not only to quantify the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their risk factors but also to identify temporal trends, regional disparities, gaps in care, and emerging challenges for the Brazilian health system. The project is modeled on international initiatives such as the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, while incorporating data sources and perspectives that reflect Brazil’s unique epidemiological, demographic, and healthcare characteristics.

(…)

Read Full Article

ABC

Original Article

Social Vulnerability Index and Mortality from Ischemic Heart Diseases and Cerebrovascular Diseases in Brazil from 2000 to 2021

José Lucas Bichara et al. Luiz Antônio Bastos Eric Delgado dos Santos Mafra Lino Paolo Blanco Villela Gláucia Maria Moraes de Oliveira

Abstract

Background:

Previous studies have observed a correlation between mortality rates from ischemic heart diseases (IHDs), cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs), and the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). However, doubts persist about the association between the overall SVI and its dimensions and mortality stratified by sex, ethnicity, and population clusters.

Objective:

To analyze the evolution of the overall SVI and its dimensions and correlate it with mortality rates due to IHD and CBVD in Brazil and its Federative Units (FUs) from 2000 to 2021.

Methods:

Ecological study of time series of standardized mortality rates (using the direct method with the Brazilian population in 2000) due to IHD and CBVD categorized by age, sex, and FUs between 2000 and 2021, correlated with the SVI and its dimensions. Data on the underlying causes of death were obtained from the Mortality Information System, while SVI data were sourced from the Social Vulnerability Atlas. Spearman correlation (considered significant if p<0.05) was employed to calculate each analyzed stratum.

Results:

The SVI and its Human Capital (SVI-HC) dimension and Income and Employment (SVI-IE) dimension in 2010 showed a strong correlation with variations in mortality rates due to CBVD and IHD (SVI x CBVD: Rho(p)=0.85; SVI x IHD: Rho(p)=0.75; SVI-HC x CBVD: Rho(p)=0.84; SVI-HC x IHD: Rho(p)=0.84; SVI-IE x CBVD: Rho(p)=0.81; SVI-IE x IHD: Rho(p)=0.71). The Urban Infrastructure dimension (SVI-UI) showed a weak correlation with CBVD and IHD, respectively (SVI-UI x CBVD: Rho(p)=0.33; SVI-UI x IHD: Rho(p)=0.25).

Conclusion:

Both SVI-HC and SVI-IE demonstrated strong correlations with variations in mortality rates from IHD and CBVD.

Read Full Article

ABC

Original Article

Non-Invasive Central Blood Pressure and Intracranial Waveform Assessment in Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sayuri Inuzuka et al. Mikaelle Costa Correia Matheus Martins da Costa Thiago Oliveira Costa … Priscila Valverde de Oliveria Vitorino Polyana Vulcano de Toledo Piza Gustavo Frigieri Ana Luiza Lima Sousa Antonio Coca Weimar Kunz Sebba Barroso

Abstract

Background

There is a strong association between hypertension and cerebrovascular disease, mainly with stroke and cognitive impairment. However, but the mechanistic of this relationship are not completely understood.

Objective

To analyze the relationship of central, peripheral blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness, with intracranial pressure (ICP) in long-term chronic hypertensive patients.

Methods

Adult individuals were consecutively included in the study from November 2022 to August 2023. The cut-off point identified to define intracranial hypertension (ICHT) by the wave peak (P2/P1) ratio was > 1.2, and the cut-off for time to peak (TTP) was > 0.25. The level of significance adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%.

Results

A total of 145 patients (32 male, 113 female) with long-term hypertension (average of time since diagnoses 20 ± 12 years) were evaluated over a period of 10 months. The median age was 69.0 (61.8 – 75.7) years and median body mass index 29.0 (25.4 – 33.1) kg/m2. Median value of P2/P1 ratio for all cohort was 1.4 (1.2 – 1.5) and TTP 0.24 (0.21 – 0.29). The analysis was performed considering presence or not of ICHT, and parameters of central BP and pulse wave velocity. There was higher central systolic (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and peripheral DBP among patients with ICHT based on the P2/P1 ratio.

Conclusions

Central SBP levels are more linked to ICHT than office peripheral SBP measurements, while DBP measurements are similar, raising questions about the most suitable BP assessment method for hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular damage.

Read Full Article

ABC

Case Report

Transient Ischemic Attack in a Patient with Vascular Kinking of the Subclavian and Right Common Carotid Arteries – A Case Report

Katia Gleicielly Frigotto et al. Washington Luiz Batista da Costa Lais Antonucci Ferreira Daniela Roberta Alves Silva … Giovana Salviano Braga Garcia Luciano de Figueiredo Aguiar Bruno de Souza Paolino

Introduction

Vascular kinking is a vascular angular change where an acute angle is formed in an artery. Both embryogenic and acquired causes can lead to this change. Studies indicate that atherosclerosis, hypertension, and aging are significant contributors to carotid abnormalities. Other factors such as trauma, congenital causes, or inflammatory diseases are uncommon and typically associated with atherosclerosis. Congenital factors may manifest clinically later in life, being exacerbated by conditions like systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, smoking, rheumatological disorders, and heart diseases.

There are two types of kinking. The first one being congenital, most prevalent in women in their late 40s and early 50s, being clinically significant in advanced age. The second type is linked to atherosclerotic risk factors, such as SAH, dyslipidemia, DM, and smoking. However, determining the exact role of carotid abnormalities in causing ischemic symptoms is challenging due to their frequent association with atherosclerotic lesions in vessel walls.

[…]

Read Full Article

ABC

Special Article

Cardiovascular Statistics – Brazil 2023

Gláucia Maria Moraes de Oliveira et al. Luisa Campos Caldeira Brant Carisi Anne Polanczyk Deborah Carvalho Malta … Andreia Biolo Bruno Ramos Nascimento Maria de Fatima Marinho de Souza Andrea Rocha De Lorenzo Antonio Aurélio de Paiva Fagundes Júnior Beatriz D. Schaan Christina Grüne de Souza e Silva Fábio Morato de Castilho Fernando Henpin Yue Cesena Gabriel Porto Soares Gesner Francisco Xavier Junior Jose Augusto Soares Barreto Filho Luiz Guilherme Passaglia Marcelo Martins Pinto Filho M. Julia Machline-Carrion Marcio Sommer Bittencourt Octavio M. Pontes Neto Paolo Blanco Villela Renato Azeredo Teixeira Ricardo Stein Roney Orismar Sampaio Thomaz A. Gaziano Pablo Perel Gregory A. Roth Antonio Luiz Pinho Ribeiro

ABOUT THESE STATISTICS

The publication Cardiovascular Statistics – Brazil aims to provide an annual compilation of data and research on the epidemiology of CVDs in Brazil. The report integrates official statistics from the Brazilian Ministry of Health and other governmental entities alongside data from the GBD project, coordinated by the IHME at the University of Washington. Additionally, it incorporates data derived from various sources and scientific studies, including cohorts and registries, that relate to CVDs and their associated risk factors. This publication is intended for a wide range of individuals, including researchers, clinicians, patients, healthcare policymakers, media professionals, the general public, and other interested parties seeking extensive national data about heart disease and stroke. Volunteer researchers from various Brazilian universities and research institutions carry out the project. The group is led by a five-member steering committee (ALPR, CAP, DCM, GMMO, and LCCB). The Brazilian Society of Cardiology fully supports this initiative, and the project receives collaborative support from the GBD Brazil Networkand an International Committee (GAR, PP, and TAG) from both the IHME/University of Washington (GAR) and the World Heart Federation (PP and TAG).

[…]

Read Full Article

ABC

Original Article

Socioeconomic Indicators and Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease and Cerebrovascular Disease in Brazil from 2000 to 2019

José Lucas Bichara et al. Luiz Antônio Bastos Paolo Blanco Villela Gláucia Maria Moraes de Oliveira

Abstract

Background:

Previous studies have identified inequalities in the variation of mortality rates from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CBVD) when comparing regions with different levels of socioeconomic development indicators.

Objective:

To analyze the variation in IHD and CBVD mortality rates and economic development, evaluated by the sociodemographic index (SDI) and social vulnerability index (SVI) in Brazil over a period of 20 years.

Methods:

Ecological study of time series of crude and standardized mortality rates (direct method, based on the Brazilian population in year 2000) from IHD and CBVD by sex and Federative Unit (FU) between 2000 and 2019, compared using the SDI and SVI.

Results:

There was an improvement in SDI and SVI concomitantly to a reduction in age-standardized mortality rate from IHD and _CBVD in the country; however, this occurred unevenly across the FUs. The FUs with the best socioeconomic indicators had the greatest reduction in mortality rates.

Discussion:

The variations in mortality rates from IHD and CBVD, compared using variations in socioeconomic development, are aligned with those from previous studies, but the present study goes further by including the indicators SDI and SVI in the comparison. The limitations include the observational nature of the study, the use of databases, and the vulnerability to ecological bias.

Conclusion:

The observed data raise the hypothesis that the improvement in socioeconomic conditions is one of the factors responsible for the reduction in mortality rates from _IHD and _CBVD.

Read Full Article

IJCS

Original Article

Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) and Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: not so Different after all?

Valeria Cristina Scavasine et al. Gustavo da Cunha Ribas Rebeca Teixeira Costa Guilherme Henrique Weiler Ceccato … Viviane de Hiroki Flumignan Zétola Marcos Christiano Lange

Abstract

Background:

Stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with high recurrence and mortality rates. Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) is associated with fewer vascular risk factors, less disability, and a high recurrence rate.

Objective:

To compare risk factors, functional outcomes and the occurrence of primary endpoint (a composite of recurrent stroke, cardiovascular death, and myocardial infarction) between AF stroke and ESUS patients.

Method:

A retrospective analysis was conducted including all consecutive patients with first-ever ischemic stroke admitted to the Hospital de Clinicas (Clinical Hospital) of the Federal University of Paraná from October 2012 to January 2017 (n=554). There were 61 patients with stroke due to AF and 43 due to ESUS. Both groups were compared for demographic characteristics and vascular risk factors. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the impact of each variable on the primary endpoint in a 12-month follow-up. Statistical significance was considered for p-values < 0.05.

Results:

ESUS patients, as compared to AF patients, were younger and more likely to be smokers. ESUS patients presented a mean CHADS2VASc score of 4, while the AF group presented a score of 5 (p <0.001). The primary endpoint was observed in 9 (20.9%) ESUS and 11 (18.0%) AF patients over a 12-month period (p=0.802). Higher glucose levels upon hospital admission (p=0.020) and a higher modified Rankin Scale upon hospital discharge (p=0.020) were predictors of the primary endpoint occurrence.

Conclusion:

AF and ESUS stroke patients presented very similar independence rates upon hospital discharge and outcomes after 12 months, despite some baseline differences, including stroke recurrence, vascular death, and myocardial infarction.

Read Full Article

IJCS

Editorial

Mortality in the Elderly Due to Cerebrovascular Disease

Marco Antônio Mota Gomes et al. Annelise Machado Gomes de Paiva

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death, hospitalization and outpatient care worldwide, including in developing countries like Brazil. More than 75% of deaths from these causes occur in low- or middle-income countries, and about 80% of deaths are due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke. Vilela, PB et al. observed that mortality from cerebrovascular disease in Brazil is influenced by socioeconomic factors.

Although the aging process is not necessarily related to diseases and disabilities, elderly people have a high prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In the period from 2010 to 2050, the number of strokes is expected to more than double, with most of the increase among the elderly (≥75 years of age) and minority groups. Greater attention is needed to promote optimal cardiovascular health and healthy aging throughout life.

[…]

Read Full Article

IJCS

Original Article

Mortality Trends from Cardiovascular Diseases in the State of Bahia, Brazil, between 2000 and 2015

Yana Mendonça Nascimento et al. Adriana Lopes Latado

Abstract

Background:

Mortality from cardiovascular diseases has reduced in Brazil in recent decades, but this phenomenon is not clear in the northeast region of the country.

Objectives:

To describe the mortality trends from cardiovascular disease in Bahia from 2000-2015, in total population and by sex and age groups, and by specific causes (ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, rheumatic heart disease and heart failure).

Methods:

This was a time series study. Data were obtained from SIM-DATASUS and IBGE, and the 10th revision of the ICD used for disease classification. Mortality rates (per 100,000 inhabitants) were calculated from total cardiovascular disease and specific causes, by sex and age groups. Direct standardization was used to adjust for age, using the population of 2010 as reference. Linear regression models estimated percentage variation. The significance level of 5% was adopted.

Results:

In Bahia, crude mortality rates from cardiovascular disease increased in the period; however, after standardization by age, mortality rates became stable for the total and female populations, with a slight reduction for the male population. An increase in mortality rates from cardiovascular disease was found in the elderly groups. For ischemic heart disease, a progressive increase in adjusted mortality rates was observed: 43%, 24% and 29% for the total, male, and female population, respectively. There was a progressive reduction in crude and age-standardized mortality rates from heart failure in all groups, a modest reduction in age-adjusted mortality rates from cerebrovascular diseases, and a slight reduction in age-standardized mortality rate from rheumatic heart disease, especially in the subgroup <40 years.

Conclusions:

Mortality from cardiovascular disease in Bahia did not follow the decreasing trend of other Brazilian states, especially in relation to ischemic heart disease, which showed an increase in mortality rates.

Read Full Article

IJCS

Original Article

Elderly Mortality from Cerebrovascular Disease in Alagoas, 2000-2016: Spatial-Temporal Analysis

Luiz Carlos Francelino Silva Junior et al. Euclides José Oliveira Da Cunha Carlos Dornels Freire de Souza Alysson Wagner Fernandes Duarte

Abstract

Background

Cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) are the second leading cause of death in Brazil.

Objective

This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of mortality from cerebrovascular disease in the elderly in Alagoas from 2000-2016.

Methods

This is a multilevel ecological study of all deaths from CVD in individuals aged 60 years or older. Data were collected from the Mortality Information System. The variables were submitted to descriptive analysis, trend analysis by Joinpoint Regression method and spatial analysis with Global Moran’s and local statistics; 95% confidence interval and significance of 5% were considered in the analysis.

Results

There were 21,440 deaths in the study period, 50.4% (n=10,797) male, 40.5% (n=8,670) aged ≥ 80 years, 44.5% (n=9,465) of “brown” race, 30.1% (n=6,448) married and 36.5% (n=7,828) with less than four years of schooling. Female and male mortality rates were 460.24/100,000 and 602.23 / 100,000, respectively. An annual decreasing trend of -1.4% (p<0.001) in overall and male mortality was observed from 2007 on. The highest mortality rates were concentrated in the eastern region of Alagoas (Moran’s I =0.766288; p=0.01). Twenty-two municipalities were in quadrant Q1 of Moran’s scattering diagram and considered priorities.

Conclusion

Death from CVD in Alagoas occurred equally in men and women in the study period, mostly in individuals of mixed race, married, and with low education attainment. The highest rates were observed in the eastern region of the state . The results highlight the need for public policies aimed at healthy aging in the state. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Read Full Article