Coronary mortality rates for men and women in Glasgow are amongst the highest in the world. Recent studies have questioned the reliability of published mortality data. This study describes the process of death certification in Glasgow, indicating the diverse ways in which deaths occurring in a variety of circumstances are processed by a variety.of types of person so that a death certificate can be issued. The study uses this information to assess the reliability of the coronary mortality data in a manner similiar to "validity exercises" carried out elsewhere, except that the results are presented in an operational and social context. Finally, the study discusses possible measures which might be taken to improve the reliability of the coronary mortality data
