ABSTRACT
Background: Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Aim: To analyze the evolution of mortality by IHD in Ecuador, from 2001 to 2016. Material and Methods: Analysis of Ecuador death registries elaborated by the National Statistics and Census Institute. Specific and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated for the 2001-2016 period in Ecuador. The annual percent change (APC) and the average annual percent change (AAPC) were estimated. Changes in trends were located through joinpoint regression analysis. Results: From 2001 to 2016 there were 46,133 deaths due to IHD in Ecuador, of which 60% (n = 27,489) corresponded to men. In the joinpoint regression analysis, the crude mortality rates for IHD reported an increase in the AAPC of 4.0% (2001-2016, 95% CI: 1.5 - 6.6). Rates adjusted for age increased with an AAPC of 3.2% (2001-2016, 95% CI: 0.7 - 5.8). Conclusions: Mortality due to ischemic heart disease increased in Ecuador in the period 2001-2016. Two marked periods were observed, one with a decrease followed by a significant increase, in both sexes and all age groups.