Stroke-related mortality analysis in Paraná, Brazil, over 10 years

Background Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability around the world. Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the age- and sex-specific mortality rates related to stroke in the state of Paraná, Brazil, between 2007 and 2016. Methods In this cross-sectional study, residents in the state of Paraná were selected by death certificates (from 2007–2016); the basic cause of death was stroke. A descriptive analysis was performed, and mortality rates were calculated with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for each year. Results From 2007 to 2016, there were 62,607 deaths in the state of Paraná due to stroke. Most individuals had medical assistance before death (85.7% in 2007 versus 83.9% in 2016), and most of these deaths occurred in hospitals (73.6% in 2007 versus 74.8% in 2016). Death rates due to stroke increased from 138 (95% CI 135–142) to 163 (95% CI 159–166) per 100,000 inhabitants. This raise occurred mainly in those over 79 years old. For the ages groups of 34 to 44 and 44 to 54 years, mortality rate decreased. Conclusions In the past 15 years, despite the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke, there has been an increase in mortality due to stroke in the state of Paraná. This fact is possibly associated with the aging of the population because there was a more pronounced increase in the group over 79 years old. Thus, new health strategies are necessary to improve the survival and quality of life of poststroke individuals.