Overview of mortality due to chronic rheumatic heart disease between 2017 and 2021, in Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic rheumatic heart disease is a complication of rheumatic fever (RF), a disease that results from pharyngotonsillitis, causing acquired heart disease in young people and can lead to valvular sequelae and death. The objective of the study is to evaluate mortality from rheumatic heart disease in Rio Grande do Sul, with emphasis on voluntary involvement, and to analyze a possible association between age group and sex. Material and Methods: This research consists of a cross-sectional study using the database of the Department of Information Technology’s Unified Health System (DataSUS). Deaths from rheumatic heart diseases were included, divided by sex and age, during the period from 2017 to 2021 in Rio Grande do Sul. For statistical analysis, the Chi-Square test (χ²) was used, using the software SPSS. Results: 321 deaths from rheumatic valve disease were found between 2017 and 2021, the majority of which were caused by mitral valve disease. Women had a higher number of deaths from mitral valve disease and men from other heart diseases. Regarding the age group, deaths due to mitral valve disease were more prevalent among those aged 40 to 49 years, while in tricuspid valve disease, there was a greater association with individuals aged 80 years or older. In other diseases, no association was demonstrated. Conclusion: From this, an association was established between sex and age group in the incidence of rheumatic heart disease among the studied population. Therefore, a more comprehensive therapeutic approach is needed, associated with the development of campaigns that publicize the importance of correct treatment in order to reduce mortality rates.