Are geographic variations in death rates for the cardiovascular diseases real

摘要: Abstract No doubt the assignment of causes death is often inaccurate, and any practicing physician can probably recall a large number instances in which cause was improperly entered on certificate. The magnitude such inaccuracies undoubtedly varies somewhat from state to these may very well account entirely for small differences rates cardiovascular diseases or coronary heart disease. It seems unlikely, however, that they could all shown here. Evidence presented be summarized as follows: 1. contrasts some states, South Carolina North Dakota, are sufficiently great make it seem certain real exist. likely geographic variations disease considerable exist within United States. 2. quality quantity physicians available do not appear have an appreciable effect upon rates, only percentage variation appears related this factor. 3. Population total counts fairly accurate. 4. Autopsies other studies indicate that, general, errors cause-of-death entries certificates tend compensatory, so major groupings net possibly less than 7 per cent.