Premature Cardiovascular Death and Socioeconomic Status in Argentina. On the Opportunities and Challenges of Representing Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Background: Premature death is a challenge from the social, medical, sanitary and economic point of view. Many of these deaths are avoidable with the implementation of State policies. Scientific societies may and should participate in the guidance of public policies. However, precise data and an inclusive approach are necessary to accomplish this end.Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the temporal trend of premature all-cause and cardiovascular deaths in Argentina during the period 2000–2010.Methods: An ecological model, evaluating the evolution of specific and standardized rates of premature death (≤74 years) was used. Additionally, the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and premature death was examined. The 513 departments of Argentina were the analysis unit.Results: Premature all-cause mortality (median per 10,000 persons/year; p value) declined from 42.65 in 2000 to 38.67 in 2011 (p<0.001). A similar result was obtained for cardiovascular death (from 12.75 in 2000 to 10.09 in 2011; p<0.001). A significant, linear relationship between SES and premature death was verified without threshold in all years. The velocity and relative reduction were significantly different across different SES strata.Conclusions: Although the mortality rate was reduced, the gap between SES and premature deaths widened in Argentina, indicating the need to think on whom and how we should pay closer attention.