[Analysis of recent trends in cardiovascular mortality in Switzerland]

During the last decade (1970-1980), the cardiovascular mortality rate, based on the mention of a cardiovascular disease as the primary cause of death, has decreased in all age groups in Switzerland. This decrease is greater in the female population. However, the mortality rate of ischemic heart diseases continues to increase in the 60 plus age group. If all deaths where a cardiovascular disease is reported, as either the primary or immediate cause, are considered, the decrease is less marked. The reason seems to be an increase in the number of deaths due to cancer, where a cardiopathy is reported as the immediate cause.