Controlling risk factors in cardiovascular diseases.

In response to community demands to do something about the highest rates of cardiovascular diseases in the world that were found in the country of North Karelia, Finland, a comprehensive community control programme was set up in 1972. The main objective was to reduce the high rates by reducing level of smoking, serum cholesterol and blood pressure. The success of the programme was evaluated by examining independent representative population samples in 1972 and in 1977 in North Karelia and a matched control county. A decrease in the individual risk factors was found among the population aged 25-29 at the outset. This reduction was mainly based on favourable changes in lifestyle that took place through the whole community. In low as well as in high socioeconomic groups risk factor reductions occurred. At the same time morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases fell in North Karelia. The intensified health education was not accompanied by adverse emotional or psychosomatic reactions that could be measured. Since there are results from a series of experimental and controlled studies on success of risk factor reduction, this evidence should be used in development and implementation of prevention programmes for cardiovascular diseases. Primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases today requires efficient programmes because they are forming the leading cause of death in majority of the countries where reliable mortality statistics are available.