[Major cardiovascular diseases mortality in Kaunas population for 1983-2002]

To evaluate trends in mortality of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke in Kaunas population aged 25-64 years in 1983 to 2002.

The study based on official mortality statistics covered all residents of Kaunas aged 25-64 years who died of IHD and stroke in 1983-2002. Age-standardized rates were calculated by the direct method and using European population as a standard. The trends were analysed using the method of linear regression on logarithms of the age-standardized annual rates.

In 1983-2002, IHD and stroke mortality rates were significantly decreasing both for men and women (by 2.2%/yr, p = 0.003, and 2.9%/yr, p = 0.004, respectively, for men and by 2.6%/yr, p = 0.005 and 3.2%/yr, p = 0.002, respectively, for women).

In 1983-2002, both IHD and stroke mortality rates among both Kaunas men and women aged 25-64 years decreased significantly.