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Document Details : Title: Evolution of all-cause mortality rates in the United States of America, anno 1900-1999 Author(s): KESTELOOT, Hugo Journal: Acta Cardiologica Volume: 57 Issue: 1 Date: February 2002 Pages: 1-4 DOI: 10.2143/AC.57.1.2005371 Abstract : The ultimate goal of medicine is to reduce mortality and morbidity. Morbidity is difficult to define and cause-specific mortality over a period of one century is unreliable. Myocardial infarction was only recognized as a diagnostic entity,not necessitating autopsy, in the mid 1920s. Coronary angiography enables to establish coronary atheromathosis objectively from the mid 1960s,but only in cases in which the examination was performed. The reliability of site-specific cancer mortality has improved markedly over time,especially during the last 20 years. All-cause mortality, however, does not need standardization or autopsy. |