[Development of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among persons aged 40-42 years in the county of Finnmark 1973-93].

During the period 1973-1993, the National Health Screening Service carried out five screenings of risk factors for cardiovascular disease among 40-42 years of age in the county of Finnmark. Risk for myocardial infarction has decreased, mainly due to reductions in total cholesterol, which fell by more than 10% in both sexes from 1973-74 to 1993. Cholesterol levels now seem to be stabilizing. Considerably fewer persons smoked daily in 1977-78 than in 1973-74. From 1977-78 to 1993, little change occurred among men, but the percentage of women who smoked daily increased by 10%. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were slightly higher in 1993 than in 1990. Since 1987-88 consumption of butter and of traditionally made coffee (boiled, not filtered) has decreased. Compared with other counties, Finnmark shows high values for cholesterol, smoking habits and "boiled" coffee. Preventive measures still have a potential to influence the future trend.