Burden of cardiovascular disease in Brazil, 1996–2023: a retrospective descriptive study of the epidemiology and impact on public healthcare

Summary: Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide, and their epidemiology is correlated with genetic predisposition and exposure to risk. Brazil is a developing country with a vast territory, which leads to structural inequalities. We aimed to comprehensively characterise the epidemiology and burden of CVD in Brazil between 1996 and 2023, examining temporal trends, regional disparities, demographic patterns, healthcare costs, and heart transplantation.