Trends in mortality from cardiovascular diseases in Ireland

Trends in mortality from cardiovascular diseases in Ireland from 1950 to 1986 are examined and compared with trends in some other developed countries. There was a decline in mortality from all causes which was greater in women than in men. Mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) increased in males from 1953 to 1974 and has been declining slowly since. Mortality rates in men in Canada and the United States are now lower than those in Ireland and rates in Finnish men are approaching those in Ireland. CHD mortality in Irish males was sixth highest of developed countries in 1985. In women, CHD mortality declined in the 1950s, was stable in the 1960s and early 1970s and has been decreasing slowly since 1974. CHD mortality in Irish women was fifth highest of developed countries in 1985. Mortality rates from cerebrovascular disease have been falling in Irish women since 1958 and in men since 1969. The continuing high mortality from CHD in Ireland warrants the establishment of effective community prevention programmes.