| pubmed-article:1615519 | pubmed:abstractText | We have examined mortality from ischaemic heart disease, prevalence of self-reported coronary heart disease and risk factor levels in three towns (Kristiansund, Alesund and Molde) in the county of Møre og Romsdal. The results for mortality were based on vital statistics for the age group 40-69 years, for the periods 1966-76 and 1977-87. Risk factor data and data on self-reported coronary heart disease for the age groups 40-42 years and 65-67 years were obtained from a health screening survey conducted in the county in 1990. According to the official statistics, the towns share important socio-economic characteristics, but Kristiansund is thought to have stronger roots in the coastal culture, with a historically economic basis in fishery and shipbuilding. We observed substantial differences between the three towns, both as regards risk factor levels and mortality from ischaemic heart disease. By far the highest mortality rates were found in Kristiansund, both for men and for women. A similar gradient existed for the levels of main risk factors, including serum cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and prevalence of smokers. We discuss the implications of these findings for prevention strategies. | lld:pubmed |
