Trends and geographical variation in mortality from coronary disease in Peru

BACKGROUND: Coronary disease (CD) is the main cause of mortality worldwide. Data about trends and geographical variation in CD mortality is available in some American countries. This information varies among countries since CD risk factors frequencies vary. OBJECTIVE: To describe the trend and geographical variation of coronary disease (CD) mortality in Peru, 2005–2017. METHODS: Analysis of secondary data of the Peruvian Ministry of Health’s registry of deaths. We analyzed CD mortality. We described the absolute and relative frequency of deaths and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) by natural regions, departments, age, sex, and year. We also described the change of ASMR between two periods (2005–2010 vs. 2011–2017). RESULTS: There were 64,721 CD deaths between 2005 and 2017 (4.12% among all deaths). The absolute frequency of CD deaths was 5,665 and 6,565 in 2005 and 2017, respectively. CD mortality was more frequent in men and older adults. The ASMR varied among natural regions, being higher in the Coast (19.61 per 100,000 inhabitants). The change between the two periods revealed that almost all departments reduced their ASMRs, except for Callao, Lambayeque, and Madre de Dios. CONCLUSION: CD mortality has increased in Peru. Mortality was higher in men and older adults, and it varied among departments. More political efforts are needed to reduce these trends.