The records of all Olmsted County residents with a hospital discharge diagnosis of MI between 1979 and 1999 were reviewed, and standard epidemiologic MI validation criteria were applied; post-MI outcome over time was determined, including post-MI heart failure, angina, 30 day case fatality and long-term survival. In parallel with the analysis of time trends in CHD mortality, the autopsy reports were reviewed to examine whether the prevalence of coronary disease at autopsy has changed over time. These studies provided an assessment of the clinical and anatomical manifestations of CHD, including the outcome of acute MI, over a time period characterized by intensified primary prevention efforts and major changes in the treatment of acute CHD.