[Cardiovascular diseases. Comments on early mortality in Brazil].

PURPOSE

To compare age specific mortality rates from acute myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular diseases in Brazilian cities with equivalent death rates in other countries.

METHODS

Data on Brazilian deaths were obtained from the Health Ministry's Mortality Information System. Data for other countries were obtained from a World Health Organization specialized publication.

RESULTS

Nearly 50% of ischemic heart disease deaths among males occurred in men under 65. The equivalent proportion in other countries was 25%. The acute myocardial infarction death rate among men aged 35-44 was 3 times greater than in North America. The Brazilian cardiovascular disease death rates were also higher then in other countries.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to what is usually believed, it is not only among old people that cardiovascular diseases are an important cause of death. This suggests that there is a need for specifically designed investigations that take account of the peculiarities of the Brazilian situation, as well as for urgent implementation of targetted risk factor control programs.