The new old epidemic of coronary heart disease

Objectives. This study quantified the consequences for prevalence of increased survival of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the Netherlands from 1980 to 1993. Methods. A multistage life table fitted observed mortality and registration rates from the nationwide hospital register. The outcome was prevalence by age, sex, period, and disease state. Results. The prevalence of CHD from 1980 to 1993 was 4.4% (men, aged 25 to 84 years) and 1.4% (women, aged 25 to 84 years). Between 1980-1983 and 1990-1993, the incidence changed little, but age-adjusted prevalence increased by 19% (men) and 59% (women). Conclusions. Sharply decreasing mortality but near-constant attack rates of CHD caused distinct increases in prevalence, particularly among the elderly.