[Cardiovascular screenings in Norwegian counties. Trends in risk pattern during the period 1985-90 among persons aged 40-42 in 4 counties].

In 1985-90, two screenings for cardiovascular disease risk factors were carried out with an interval of three years in four Norwegian counties. All residents aged 40-42 were invited to both screening rounds, and certain subgroups from the first round were re-invited to the second round. Compared with the score attained by the first generation, the total mean risk score for myocardial infarction achieved by the second generation was 19% lower in males, and 15.5% lower in females. The main cause of this reduction was lower serum cholesterol level. Based on results from the subgroups, the estimated mean risk score for the total male cohort from the first round had decreased by 10% at the rescreening three years later. It is concluded that the results indicate a continued, and perhaps accelerated, decrease in coronary heart disease mortality, as new generations populate the age groups where this disease is more prevalent. The screenings were part of a prevention programme, and it is reasonable to assume that the efforts by the primary health care services contributed to the improvement.