[Tendencies in mortality from cardiovascular diseases in the Valencian community (1976-1992)]

Age-adjusted cardiovascular mortality has experienced a sharp decrease in Spain and, also, in the Valencian Community since approximately the mid-seventies. The objective of the present study is to describe the evolution of mortality due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the Valencian Community and their provinces, during 1976-1992.

The annual series of raw, specific and age-standardized mortality rates have been constructed and analyzed for the Valencian Community and provinces, from 1976 to 1992, fitting subsequently Poisson regression models to the rates.

There exists a significant descendent trend of cardiovascular mortality, with an even more marked decrease for cerebrovascular disease. Mortality rates are higher in the Valencian Community than in general population of Spain. There is a rise in mortality rates with the increase of age. The female gender has a significant protective effect. Valencia and Alicante present higher risks than Castellón.

Cardiovascular mortality in the Valencian Community during the period 1976-1992 decreased in all age groups, especially for cerebrovascular mortality. A greater magnitude in the masculine rates is observed. Castellón is the province associated with the lowest risk of death by cardiovascular disease.