Patterns of coronary heart disease mortality over the 20th century in England and Wales: Possible plateaus in the rate of decline
2008

Trends in Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in England and Wales

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Steven Allender, Peter Scarborough, Martin O'Flaherty, Simon Capewell

Primary Institution: University of Oxford

Hypothesis

Are coronary heart disease mortality rates beginning to plateau or reverse among younger populations in England and Wales?

Conclusion

While CHD mortality rates are still declining in older age groups, the burden of coronary heart disease is increasing among younger women, indicating a potential reversal of previous improvements.

Supporting Evidence

  • CHD mortality rates have been consistently declining since the mid-1970s.
  • Recent trends indicate a potential plateau in CHD mortality rates among younger women.
  • Older age groups continue to see improvements in CHD mortality rates.

Takeaway

This study looks at how many people are dying from heart disease in England and Wales over many years. It finds that while older people are doing better, younger women are starting to have more heart problems.

Methodology

The study analyzed death data from 1931 to 2005, focusing on coronary heart disease mortality rates by year, sex, and age group.

Potential Biases

Attribution bias may occur due to changes in ICD coding and methods of death certification over time.

Limitations

Comparisons between birth cohorts should be made with caution due to changes in ICD coding and potential underestimation of mortality rates.

Participant Demographics

The study included all registered deaths in England and Wales from 1931 to 2005, stratified by age and sex.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-8-148

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