[Spatial distribution of mortality from acute myocardial infarction in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]

The study analyzes the spatial distribution of mortality from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data from the Mortality Information System refers to the year 2000. Empirical Bayes smoothing technique was used to minimize random variation in mortality coefficients due to the population size in the geographic analytical units. Spatial distribution of AMI mortality in the city of Rio de Janeiro is heterogeneous and displays a pattern associated with a strong socioeconomic gradient. The decreased AMI risk in the West Side of the city fails to reflect the social inequality and limited access to healthcare services observed there. A more likely hypothesis is that the risk of AMI death was underestimated in the West Side, due to the high proportion of ill-defined causes of death in that region. In the rest of the city, the spatial pattern of AMI mortality showed higher values in poorer areas. The various hospitals treating AMI also show a clear pattern in their areas of influence.