Long-term effects of a primary health care intervention program for women:Lower blood pressure and stable weight

Background: In Stromstad, with 10,000 inhabitants, a cardiovascular prevent ion program was launched during 1985-1987 because of high rates of cardiova scular disease. To study long-term effects in women, an 8-year follow-up wa s conducted Methods: Participants (n=114) and nonparticipants (n=269) in th e lifestyle intervention program in 1985-1987 (both groups with cardiovascu lar risk factors) were compared regarding risk factor levels after 8 years. Effects were also compared to another community not exposed to interventio n Results: After 8 years, intervention participants showed significant redu ction of mean systolic blood pressure compared to the control group and had higher intake of dietary fibers and more-positive attitudes to and better knowledge of healthy diets. There was no increase of mean body weight or se rum triglyceride Levels whatsoever in the intervention group. Compared with another-female population not exposed to intervention body weight and syst olic blood pressure changed in a significantly more favorable way. Conclusi ons: Results from the prevention program could be discerned after 8 years. Advantages in risk factor changes could also be found when comparing with a nother female population. Given the high level of stroke in women within th e community, the blood pressure advantage in the intervention group is part icularly encouraging.