Modification of cardiovascular risk factors in rural population of Newfoundland through nutritional counselling

Cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) evaluation has been offered to the adult population of a rural area of Newfoundland. Out of 4,814 residents of the selected communities 522 persons volunteered for a screening examination. The assessed variables included medical history, blood pressure, total cholesterol, smoking and body mass index. The most frequent CVRF encountered had been hypercholesterolaemia, ascertained in 61% of all residents. Among the respondents 30% were smokers and 27% were hypertensives. A six-month intensive educational programme aimed at a cohort of 41 high risk individuals led to a significant decline of systolic blood pressure, body mass index and serum cholesterol. Although, after termination of the intervention programme six months later, the risk factor levels increased again, they have remained below the original values. The results of this pilot study led to a design of a major random clinical trial on non-pharmacological therapy to be implemented in the years 1990/1993.