Myocardial infarction in Malmö during the 10-year period 1963--1972

Myocardial infarctions in Malmö during the 10-year period 1963--1972 have been studied. The mortality from myocardial infarction decreased significantly among men during this period but not among women. The incidence of hospital-treated infarction increased significantly among men, mainly due to an increase in primary infarctions. The one-year survival in this hospital material did not improve during the period. The number of days of sick-leave during 12 months before primary infarction was significantly higher than expected. The duration of sick-leave during the year after primary infarction remained unchanged throughout the period. The mortality figures relate to all age groups, comprising 2 111 men and 1 409 women. The hospital incidence relates to men and women aged 65 years or below and comprises 1 323 men and 279 women during the period concerned. The reduced mortality and increased incidence of hospital-treated infarction are probaby explained by the fact that more men seek hospital treatment, leading to a better prognosis. The long duration of sick-leave after infarction is probably due to causes other than strictly medical factors.