IMPACTO DA HIPERTENSÃO ARTERIAL NA MORTALIDADE POR COVID-19 ENTRE IDOSOS NO MARANHÃO: ESTUDO OBSERVACIONAL

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.378122507042

• Palavras-chave: Hipertensão; COVID-19; Saúde Pública.

• Keywords: Hypertension; COVID-19; Public Health.

• Abstract: Objective: To analyze the association between systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and deaths from COVID-19 in the elderly population of Maranhão in the period from 2021 to 2022. Methods: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study that analyzed secondary data on COVID-19 deaths in the elderly (≥60 years) made available by the State Health Secretariat of Maranhão. Confirmed cases with associated comorbidities were recorded. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed with calculation of absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Of the 11,034 COVID-19 deaths recorded until 2022, 71.3% (7,871) occurred in the elderly, with an increasing risk gradient with age. Arterial hypertension stood out as the main associated comorbidity, present in 80% of cases and with an increase of 112% in deaths between 2021 and 2022. Significant regional disparities were observed, with Maranhão showing rates higher than those of neighboring states. Conclusion: SAH was shown to be an important risk factor for fatal outcomes by COVID-19 in the elderly population of Maranhão. The results show the need for specific public policies for this vulnerable group, with strengthening of primary care and strategies to reduce health inequalities.