[Time analysis of mortality from cerebrovascular diseases in Andalucia (1975-1999)].
BACKGROUND
In previous publications we analysed the tendency of mortality from cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) in Andalusia over the period 1975-1992, and we observed a marked decrease in the mortality rates in both sexes. AIMS. To describe the evolution of mortality from CVD in Andalusia throughout the period 1975-1999.


METHODS
Deaths from CVD over the period 1975 1999 were obtained from the Instituto Andaluz de Estadística. We employed the direct method of standardisation of rates (world standard population). The rates were subjected to logarithmic transformations and the regression lines were adjusted.


RESULTS
A considerable decrease was found in the rates: 3.9% in males and 4.0% in females. The drop in truncated rates (35 64 years old) was greater in women ( 5.9%) than in men ( 4.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
Our work shows a marked and continuous decrease in mortality from CVD in Andalusia (1975-1999). In accordance with the process of aging of the population, the magnitude of CVD measured in terms of deaths, invalidity and health costs still represents a great challenge for preventative and health care policies.
Cayuela-Domínguez
A
A
Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, España. acayuela@hvr.sas.cica.es
Rodríguez-Domínguez
S
S
Iglesias-Bonilla
P
P
Mir-Rivera
P
P
Martínez-Fernández
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000401:mortality*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology