This review examines the literature relating to the effect of death certification practices, coding and the terminology used by certifiers on trends in mortality from ischaemic heart disease (IHD). The review identifies factors that affect mortality trends in a number of countries and discusses methods for assessing the impact of these issues on trends in mortality from IHD. The review found that although the magnitude of the effects of the issues on trends in mortality from ischaemic heart disease varied among countries and sub-populations, miscertification and the resultant assignment of misleading ICD codes, particularly for ill-defined cardiovascular conditions, were important factors affecting the IHD mortality trends. In light of these findings, it is essential to monitor regularly the accuracy of death certificates for IHD and consider necessary adjustments in analysing mortality trends from IHD.