Atherosclerosis Complications in the Brazilian Population: An Ecological Time Series Study

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of multifactorial etiology. It results from endothelial aggression and affects the tunica intima of medium and large caliber arteries. 1,2 Several factors that contribute to the development of this disease are modifiable, such as systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. The main non-modifiable risk factors are genetics, male gender, and age. 3 The atherogenic process begins in the early stages of life and, together with the spread of Western habits, is considered responsible for the increased prevalence of dyslipidemias in childhood and adolescence in several countries. 4 This scenario requires longitudinal monitoring of those at risk, based on modifiable and non-modifiable factors, in order to mitigate these events.Mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is on the rise, mainly due to population growth and ageing, as well as to the failure of health systems. In Brazil, CVD is the leading cause of death. 5 High rates