This paper uses the Finnish longitudinal population register to study mortality risks from ischemic heart disease (IHD) for people aged 65–79 years in the period 1981–2004. In spite of substantial reductions in IHD mortality over time, regional differences within Finland have remained practically the same. Having controlled for a number of significant socio-demographic factors, we find geographic ancestry as proxied by people’s birth region and ethnic group to be a strong predictor of IHD mortality. This interrelation is further confirmed by observing death rates in Finns who live abroad. Reasons behind the mortality variation should be sought in circumstances that operate before or at early childhood. In light of recent advances in medical and genetic research, and the population development of Finland, there are strong reasons to believe that patterns observed in these large-scale population data reflect geographic clustering of genetic susceptibility for IHD.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Saarela et al. (2009) studied this question.