Trends in Cardiovascular Risk Factors (1984–1993) in a Swiss Region: Results of Three Population Surveys

Abstract

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, and 1992/1993), based on independent representative samples (n = 3,300) of the population ages 25 to 74, were conducted within the framework of the international WHO-MONICA Project.Results. The most favorable changes were observed in reported behaviors: increased physical activity in leisure time, healthier dietary habits (switch from unskimmed milk, butter, and meat to skimmed milk, margarine, and fish, with no change for fruits and vegetables), and lower prevalence of regular smoking among men (from 32 to 28%). Body mass index did not vary significantly, apart from an increase in the prevalence of obesity among men (from 11 to 15%). Total cholesterol varied only slightly, while the HDL cholesterol 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 regressed 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 favorable trends in objective measurements. Physical activity, even at moderate intensity, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber in general should be promoted.

Effects of smoking and smoking cessation on dietary habits of a Swiss urban population

“…Between 1984 and, the prevalence of smokers in a French speaking region of Switzerland has decreased from 32 ± 28% in men aged 25 ± 74 y (P`0.05), but increased in women from 23 ± 25% (P n.s.) (Wietlisbach et al, 1997). This evolution is consistent with that observed in Southern European populations (Pierce, 1989;Graham, 1996).…”

Impact of different domains of physical activity on cause-specific mortality: A longitudinal study

“…The NRP 1A was conducted from 1977-79 in the three main language regions of Switzerland based on a random sample of 4378 and a convenience sample of 3873 participants (Bopp et al, 2012). The Swiss MONICA study was conducted in the French and Italian speaking parts of Switzerland in three waves between 1984 and 1993 (Wietlisbach, 1987;Wietlisbach et al, 1997). Participants attended a health examination and completed a self-administered questionnaire.…”

Evolução dos níveis de colesterol na população adulta de São José do Rio Preto (1991-1997)

“…Algumas publicações demonstram aumento dos níveis 27,28 , outras demonstram diminuição 29 , enquanto outras ainda, similares aos nossos dados (tab. III), encontraram ausência de alterações significativas [30][31][32] .…”