[Hospitalization of patients with cerebrovascular diseases in Poland in 1979-1981 and 1986-88].

Hospitalization and death indices of patients admitted with cerebrovascular diseases were analysed on the basis of statistical cards filled by hospitals in a sample of 10% in patients in all Polish hospitals in the years 1979-1981 and 1986-1988. In these years a 40% rise was noted of the hospitalization indices and a 22% rise in the death rated caused by these diseases. On the other hand, the hospital death rate decreased from 32.2% to 27.9%. Higher hospitalization indices were found for males and for the urban population. The death rates and intrahospital mortality were higher for women but the standardized death rates, with the exception of oldest age group, were higher for men. A cause for concern is the rise of hospitalization indices for men and women and death rates in men aged 40-59 years which may indicate lowering of the age of threatening stroke.