[Prevention of coronary heart disease. A study of 2 rural communities of Zurich].

This study aimed at reducing risk factors for coronary heart disease through improving living habits in the population. It was conducted in a rural community in the canton of Zürich; a similar community without an intervention programme served for comparison. Data from questionnaires and examinations in random population samples examined at the start and a year later (1974-75) indicated that a favourable effect on smoking habits was achieved while blood-pressure levels were reduced in both communities, presumably because hypertensives were referred to their physician in the intervention as well as in the control area. Serum-cholesterol level and eating habits could not be demonstrably influenced. However, there was a trend toward weight reduction and an increase in physical activity in the intervention community. On comparing the initial findings, based on random samples, with an independent new sample examined at the end of the study, no overall changes in risk-factor levels could be found in the general population but the statistical power to show an effect is impaired by small numbers. The intensity of the intervention programme was limited by the available means; it was well accepted by the population.