A new epidemiological stage has begun in Hungary as a result of the implosion of state-socialism. It has made the transition to market economy and open society possible. The emerging economic and social system has created the basis for terminating the chronic qualitative epidemiological crisis and for the renewal of the epidemiological development. The new political and socio-economic system has had a decisive impact on the decrease in mortality and consequently to the increase in life expectancy in the countries east of the River Elbe. Besides the spread of health conscious behaviour, the efficacy of new medications and invasive medical interventions just as much as the network of emergency centres have contributed to the favourable changes. The most characteristic feature of the new epidemiological stage is that it delays the progression of chronic diseases and postpones the time of death. In a large extent the successful prevention, treatment and care of diseases of the circulatory system are mainly responsible for increasing the life expectancy at birth. Paradoxically, whereas life expectancy has increased in the country on the whole, social inequality has also increased.