Mortality from ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease in Greenland

Mortality 1968-83 from Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) and Cerebrovascular Disease (CD) was studied in native Greenlanders. Mortality from IHD was lower in Greenland than in Denmark for both males and females and especially low in Greenlandic settlements. IHD mortality decreased during the period. Mortality from CD was higher in Greenland than in Denmark with no certain time trend. Living conditions, of which a high intake of seafood may be a key factor, and/or a genetic predisposition seem to protect Greenlanders from IHD and to predispose them to CD.