[Risk factors of atherosclerosis: results of screening in Southern Austria]

In the western industrialized countries atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death. In this investigation serum cholesterol and blood pressure were measured in 4321 (60.9% females) inhabitants of Lower Austria. In addition, a short cardiovascular history was taken and age, sex, body weight, height and smoking habits were recorded. In the various villages the mean serum cholesterol differed considerably (194 +/- 52-244 +/- 49 mg/dl). Overall, women had a slightly, but non-significantly, higher serum cholesterol (224.0 +/- 53.5 mg/dl) than men (218.6 +/- 58.4 mg/dl). Although 2/3 of the participants showed an elevated serum cholesterol, only 6% were taking lipid lowering drugs. An age-dependent increase in cholesterol was found in women, whereas this correlation was present in men only until the age of 40. Approximately 30% of the participants reported a positive family history. A comparison with the mortality register showed a correlation between smoking and bronchogenic cancer. No correlation, however, was demonstrable between smoking and cardiovascular mortality--perhaps due to methodological difficulties. Regional analysis of the results indicates the importance of the role of local general practitioners in the prevention of atherosclerosis.