RESUMO
Abstract Background Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the main cause of mortality in Brazil, which includes acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In 2017, 12% of deaths caused by infarction in Brazil occurred in the state of Rio de Janeiro, characterizing it as an important "hotspot" in the country. Objectives This study aimed to characterize the population affected by AMI over the past decade within the state so as to guide future public policies related to CVDs. Methods Secondary data of patients affected by AMI between 2010 and 2019 were obtained by DATASUS. In-hospital case-fatality rates, mortality rates, and proportional mortality were calculated using information gathered by the Mortality Information System (SIM) and demographic statistics produced by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Results The main results showed that in-hospital case-fatality rates were higher in women, patients aged 60 years and over, the black color/race, and the state's Northwest region. The mortality rate was higher among men, especially in the South-central region and those over 50 years of age. People aged 40-49 years presented a considerable risk of death by infarction. The major categories of data classified as "ignored" in hospital admissions and death certificates were those related to race and education level. Conclusions Prevention should not only focus on the elderly, but also on people over 40, especially men. The incompleteness of electronic public data systems can affect the use of race/color or education level as epidemiological variables. New studies should be conducted to understand why the South-central region is so heavily affected by infarction.