Stroke: trends in mortality in Andalusia (Spain), 1975-1992

The aim of this study was to explore temporal changes in stroke mortality in Andalusia over the period 1975-1992. Mortality rates were standardized directly using those of the European population as the standard, and regression analysis was undertaken. Age standardized overall mortality rates for stroke decreased considerably among men, from 199.42 to 103.74 (-3.5% per year). A similar pattern was also observed among women as mortality rates diminished from 160.48 in 1975 to 92.43 in 1992 (-3.3% per year). Despite the remarkable decline in the death rate, this disease still accounted for 1 in 35 deaths in women and for 1 in 23 deaths in men in 1992. This study confirms that time trends in stroke mortality are similar to those of most industrial countries.