The mortality and case fatality rates in acute myocardial infarction in Finland. The results of Helsinki Coronary Register during 1970-1977

In 1970 the Helsinki Coronary Register gathered data on 1191AMI cases and 470 deaths from AMI of Helsinki residents under65 years of age. Since then the mortality (deaths within thefirst 28 days per 1000 habitants of Helsinki) from AMI declinedby 1.8% a year during the period 1970–1977, and therewere no statistically significant differences in trends betweenwomen and men, or between different age groups (P>0.10).The case fatality rate varied from 39% in 1970 to 35% in 1977,and the statistical analysis could not reveal any significantpermanent decreasing trend in any age or sex group. These results,together with our previously reported AMI incidence trends,show that at least in 1970–1977 the declining trend inmortality from AMI was due to an equal fall in the incidenceof AMI. Therefore there is reason to think that the effect isdue to the prevention of AMI, rather than to more effectiveacute care.