Aim: To define mortality and hospital morbidity from ischemic heart diseases (I20-I25, ICD-10) by sex and age in the Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, in the period 2005.-2014.

Methods: In this paper we used methods of descriptive epidemiology. In the analysis of mortality from IHD in the population of Split-Dalmatia County (SDC) we used database of Institute of Public Health Split-Dalmatia County formed on the basis of mortality and demographic data of the Croatian Bureau of Statistics. In the analysis of the hospital morbidity we used database formed on the basis of specific health and statistical reports (Patient-statistical form) of the population of SDC hospitalized in the Split University Hospital Center. The indicators of mortality and hospital morbidity were analysed as absolute number, percentage share, rate per 100.000 population.

Results: During the 10-year study period IHD were first or second major single cause of death of the population of SDC, accounting for 17.3% of total mortality. The analysis of mortality by age and sex shows that age-specific mortality rates for IHD rise with age and are higher in men than in women in all age groups (Table 1). At the age over 65 there were recorded 86% of persons who died of IHD (76.9% men and 95.5% woman). IHD were the major cause of hospitalization of the population of SDC hospitalized in the Split University Hospital Center, with average 1.473 hospitalizations annually and the average length of stay for totals to 9.8 days. Crude mortality rates from IHD in the SDC were slightly lower than the Croatian average.

Conclusion: Analyzing IHD mortality trends in the SDC, we have observed the rising mortality trend during the 10-year study period. To reduce mortality and morbidity from IHD we need to empower healthier lifestyle promotion programs, to change health-risk behavior and to encourage early detection of the most important risk factors for IHD (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity). (1-3)