TRENDS IN CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS (1984-1993) IN A SWISS REGION -RESULTS OF 3 POPULATION SURVEYS

Background This study attempted to assess the time trends in lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors in the Swiss region of Vaud-Fribourg (population 784,000). Methods. Three surveys (1984/1985, 1988/1989, an d 1992/1993), based on independent representative samples (n = 3,300) of the population ages 25 to 74, were conducted within the framework o f the international WHO-MONICA Project. Results. The most favorable ch anges were observed in reported behaviors: increased physical activity in leisure time, healthier dietary habits (switch from un-skimmed mil k, butter, and meat to skimmed milk, margarine, and fish, with no chan ge for fruits and vegetables), and lower prevalence of regular smoking among men (from 32 to 28%). Body mass index did not vary significantl y, apart from an increase in the prevalence of obesity among men (from 11 to 15%). Total cholesterol varied only slightly, while the HDL cho lesterol levels decreased steadily (from 1.37 to 1.19 mmol/L among men ; from 1.59 to 1.51 among women). Average systolic blood pressure regr essed among women (from 127.2 to 124.4 mm Hg), while the prevalence of untreated hypertension increased among older men,Conclusion. The self -reported changes in lifestyle were only partially reflected by favora ble trends in objective measurements. Physical activity, even at moder ate intensity, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber in gen eral should be promoted. (C) 1997 Academic Press.