[Geographical epidemiology of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases in counties of Kerman province]

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and is predicted to retain this position until 2020. The aim of the present study was to map cardiovascular mortality rates in Kerman Province counties during 2004-2005. In this descriptive study we collected all mortality data registered in various counties of Kerman Province. We calculated mortality rates and drew maps showing the geographical distribution of the dead cases. Total cardiovascular mortality was higher in the northern counties. The pattern is the same in males and females. The reasons for higher mortality in the northern regions of the province may include a greater prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and smoking