[Gastric cancer and cerebrovascular diseases. A natural history with common elements? Analysis of the salt theory in Chile (1955-1994)]

Rev Med Chil. 1999 Sep;127(9):1041-8.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Background: In the last forty years, a sustained reduction in the gastric cancer and cerebrovascular disease mortality has been recorded. Joossens has postulated that sodium intake has an influence in the natural history of both diseases.

Aim: To analyze the mortality caused by both diseases in Chile.

Material and methods: The mortality of people aged 35 to 64 years old, due to gastric cancer and cerebrovascular diseases in the period 1955-1994, was analyzed. An analysis according to regions, using temporal series and correlation techniques was performed.

Results: In the studied period, the mortality due to gastric cancer decreased by 71.6% in men and by 79.5% in women. Mortality due to cerebrovascular diseases decreased by 56.9% in men and by 63.9% in women. There was a correlation coefficient of +0.91 between the mortality due to both diseases. Cerebrovascular disease mortality appears as a predictor of gastric cancer mortality in temporal series analysis.

Conclusions: Joossens theories are supported by the present data. Prospective studies should be designed to confirm the hypothesis.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Chile / epidemiology
  • Epidemiologic Factors
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary / adverse effects*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / etiology
  • Stomach Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Stroke / etiology
  • Stroke / mortality*

Substances

  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary