[Mortality trends in ischemic heart disease in São Paulo State: 1970-1989]

Description of proportional mortality and deaths rates by coronary heart disease (CHD) in adult population (20 years of age or older) of São Paulo State, Brazil.

The deaths were obtained from the statistical official bureau. The population data were based in the Federal Census (1970, 1980 and 1991). All trends whose the slope was significantly greater than zero had a calculation of the decline per year.

Proportional mortality for CHD decreased for males(M) (-13.83%) and increased for females(F) (+1.93%). CHD in all cardiovascular diseases showed increase in both sexes: +5.70% M and +13.74% F. CHD adjusted-age death rates declined 1.16% M per year and 1.52% F per year among 1970 and 1989. during 1970-79 a non-significant decline was observed. The ages whose decline was more important were those 60-years-old of age or older. The male/female sex ratio increased during the observed years (67% in 1970 to 77%) due to the change in the 60-69 age (76% in 1970 to 101% in 1989).

The fall of the CHD deaths rates may be due to decline of heart attacks, to change in risk factors prevalence, mainly smoking, and to medical care.