The Tromsøo heart study. Methods and main results of the cross-sectional study

The mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in Norway increased rapidly during 1951-70, the highest mortality rates as well as the most rapid increases being found in Northern Norway. Several surveys of CHD were then planned, one of them is reported here. All men, 20-49 years of age, living in the municipality of Tromsøo, Troms county, were called up for examination. In total, 6595 men, 74.4% of those invited, were examined. Cholesterol, triglyceride and Hb values, BP, body weight and height, the percentage of smokers, and cigarette consumption have been tabulated according to area, age, work schedule, health condition, physical activity and ethnic background. The results suggest that the relatively high mortality from CHD in Northern Norway is associated with high serum cholesterol concentrations as well as a relatively high prevalence of smoking. During the screening there were indications of changes in dietary habits in the municipality, presumably as a result of accompanying publicity.