Secular changes in disability among middle-aged and elderly Finns with and without coronary heart disease from 1978-1980 to 2000-2001.
OBJECTIVE
To examine time trends in the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and disability.


METHODS
Data were used from two large nationally representative cross-sectional health examination surveys conducted in Finland (1978-1980 and 2000-2001).


RESULTS
The prevalence of CHD decreased in men and women aged 45 to 64 years and increased among those aged 75 years or more. In men with and without CHD, and in women without CHD, the prevalence of disability decreased until the age of 75 years, but in women with CHD no statistically significant decrease was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Favorable changes in prevalence of CHD and disability have occurred in people aged 45 to 75 years, but not in older people particularly in women. The proportion of decrease in disability attributable to CHD was estimated to be up to 25%. The causes of unequal development by age and gender should be ascertained.
National Public Health Institute, Department of Health and Functional Capacity, Helsinki, Finland. anna.kattainen@ktl.fi
Anna
A
Kattainen
Antti
A
Reunanen
Seppo
S
Koskinen
Tuija
T
Martelin
Paul
P
Knekt
Päivi
P
Sainio
Tommi
T
Härkänen
Arpo
A
Aromaa
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution