Tendência temporal dos fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares na população idosa residente nas capitais brasileiras e no Distrito Federal (2006–2023)

Abstract

Population aging in Brazil, characterized by a growing proportion of elderly individuals, poses new challenges to public health systems, especially in addressing Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), among which cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand out. These diseases are driven by modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, whose prevalence tends to increase with advancing age. Objective: In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the temporal trend of the main cardiovascular risk factors among the elderly population (aged 60 years and over) residing in Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District between 2006 and 2023. Methods: This is a time-series study based on data from the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel), totaling 231,606 individuals. The indicators analyzed included overweight, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, abusive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, screen time during leisure, and consumption of ultra-processed foods, stratified by sex, age group, educational level, and macro-region. Prais-Winsten regression was used to assess annual prevalence trends, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results showed a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight (from 53% to 62%) and obesity (from 16.1% to 23%), especially among women and individuals with higher educational levels. Hypertension also increased (from 55.36% to 61.67%), particularly among those aged 75 years and over. The consumption of ultra-processed foods rose from 7.1% to 9.3% between 2019 and 2023, as did screen time (from 42.3% to 51%), with a more pronounced increase among men and younger elderly adults. Physical inactivity showed a decreasing trend only among men, remaining stable among women. Smoking showed an overall downward trend, although it slightly increased among women and those with lower education levels. Abusive alcohol consumption increased among elderly individuals aged 60 to 64 years and among the less educated. Diabetes showed a heterogeneous trend, with a significant increase observed only in specific subgroups by age and education. Conclusions: The findings indicate that CVD risk factors among Brazilian older adults have shown varying trends according to sociodemographic characteristics, revealing persistent regional, educational, and gender inequalities. Relevance and Impact: This study highlights the importance of intersectoral and targeted public policies for the elderly population that prioritize the prevention, screening, and control of these risk factors in an equitable and effective manner. The relevance of this research lies in updating the epidemiological profile of Brazilian older adults, providing scientific evidence to improve health surveillance and develop strategies to promote healthy aging, quality of life, and reduction of the cardiovascular disease burden in the country.