Regional variance of cerebrovascular mortality in Japan.

A review of regional variations in cerebrovascular disease and mortality in Japan is presented. "The general pattern of distribution reveals cerebrovascular mortality to be higher in the east of the country and lower in the west. In more general terms the highest mortality is located in northeast Japan except Hokkaido and the lowest in southwest Japan especially in the Inland Sea region. The fact that the higher mortality is in the mountainous region and the lower is in the plains and basins suggests dependence on geographical variations between both regions. There is a strong relationship in Japan between cerebrovascular mortality and the lower temperatures of winter [except for Hokkaido]." (EXCERPT)