Spatial distribution of stroke mortality in Spain, 1975-1986.

Cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute the most frequent cause of death in Spain. In order to identify the geographical pattern of CVD mortality, age- and sex-specific as well as age-adjusted mortality rates (ICD-8,9 rubrics 430-438) were calculated for the period 1975-1986 for each province in the country. Maps were constructed after categorization of mortality rates by quintile levels. In general, the geographical pattern was similar for the different age and sex strata. While most provinces in the northern half presented low or medium mortality, geographical areas located in the south, displayed rates in the uppermost quintiles. These results suggest that the spatial distribution of CVD mortality in Spain is not random and that the potential determinants underlying this geographical distribution, such as type of stroke, incidence, fatality, diagnostic or certification practices and competing causes of death, have an impact that is independent of age and sex and strongly associated with spatial location. Furthermore, these results can help in identifying high-risk populations.