Preventing cardiovascular disease in women: an intervention-control randomized study

This 1-year, group-randomized, intervention-control study looked at the effectiveness of a primary prevention, community-based program for reducing cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in women. Women between the ages of 20 and 50 were recruited through community contacts, including religious and academic institutions, health clinics, and large local employers in the Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, area. All study activities took place in neighborhood places of worship. Screenings at baseline and 12 months included physical and laboratory measurements addressing CV risk factors and assessment of the women's knowledge about CV disease in women. All participants received an individualized review of their CV risk factors and recommendations for modifying them, along with educational literature about CV disease in women. The control group had limited follow-up compared with the intervention group, who participated in general CV health classes and received a follow-up phone call and information about health resources. The study showed that education and one-on-one follow-up significantly change behavior. Comprehensive community-based screening and individualized review decrease women's risk for CV disease.