Evolution of coronary heart disease mortality from 1958 in Belgium

Coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality increased during the 1950s and 1960s but then showed a steady decline over time, starting in 1970. The author reviews the evidence relating this decline in CHD mortality to a favourable evolution of the major coronary risk factors. Monitoring of trends and determinants in CHD incidence is currently in progress in two major Belgian cities.