[Descriptive epidemiology of cerebrovascular disorders in Austria]

The trend of cerebrovascular mortality (ICD-9: 530-538) is analyzed. Age-standardized mortality rates for men and women were calculated, covering the the period 1970 to 1994. Furthermore, the development of mortality rates (1974 to 1994) was analyzed for age groups and birth cohorts (5-years intervals). The number of deaths has decreased, from a total of 14,734 in 1970 (6109 men, 8625 women) to 9917 (-32%) in 1994 (men 3541, -42%; women 6376, -26%); age-standardized death rates in men from 201.4/10(5) (-54.7%) to 91.9/10(5), in women 160/10(5) to 77/10(5) (-51.7%). The trend within individual age groups does not show any sex-specific differences. In all birth cohorts the mortality trend in men and women decreases towards younger age groups. The observed linear decrease of mortality in men and women towards younger age groups leads to the assumption that this trend is determined by decreasing incidence, indicating a secular trend. This trend may only be explained but by its risk reducing effect in both, men and women of any age group. Establishing a representative stroke register seems most desirable, in order to make possible assertions as to the trend of incidence and prevalence.