This paper presents the results of an ecologic study of the trends of ischemic heart diseases (IHD) (ICD 9th 410-414) from 1950 to 1985 in Mexico. The mortality rates area strongly related with age and sex. Among those aged 30 to 59 years old, the male-female ratio (MFR) was 2.5 whereas in those aged 60 or more the ratio was 1.2. The mortality rates for IHD increase over time, particularly when converted in logarithms (r = 0.89). There were important differences in the regional mortality patterns by age and gender. Among males the northern region showed a mortality risk 2.5 times higher than the southern region; this risk increases (3.0) in those older than 60 years old. The increasing risk modifiable risk factors such as smoking, cholesterol and hypertension.