CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN ECUADOR

A LOOK AT THE MORTALITY PROFILE FROM 1997 TO 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of disability and death regionally and globally, particularly in Latin America and Ecuador, due to their steadily increasing impact in recent decades. Cardiometabolic, social, behavioral, and environmental factors directly influence their development and progression, and population aging is one of the most significant determinants. Objective: To analyze the variation in the mortality profile due to cardiovascular diseases in Ecuador during the period 1997-2024. Method: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted using secondary data from databases provided by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) for the study period. The population consisted of all death records for cardiovascular diseases, selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software. Results: Mortality from cardiovascular diseases is highest in the 65 and older age group, with aging identified as the main risk factor. Males bear a greater burden of death compared to females. A sharp increase in deaths was identified starting in 2020, especially from cerebrovascular and ischemic heart diseases. The provinces with the highest mortality burden were Guayas, Azuay, and El Oro. Conclusion: Cardiovascular diseases in Ecuador are determined by sociodemographic factors, with age being the main risk factor. Provincial variability demonstrates the existence of geographical inequalities that influence the burden of cardiovascular mortality.