[The Bugöynes study. Population of Finnish ethnic background in Sör-Varanger. IV. A follow-up based on the cardiovascular study done in the county of Finnmark in 1987].

An investigation conducted in 1972 among adult males in the fishing village of Bugøynes, where the majority of the population is of Finnish ethnic background, showed very high serum cholesterol values. This led to a recommendation that the population should modify its dietary habits. 1-1.5 years later the cholesterol values were reduced on average by 17.8%. Part of the adult population was reinvestigated in 1974 and 1977. At the last screening, in 1987, the whole adult population was invited to the investigation. In the age group 20-49 years the age adjusted serum cholesterol values in males were 16.8% lower in 1987 than in 1972. In females in the same age group the values had dropped by 5.4% from 1974 to 1987. Compared with neighbouring villages, the population in Bugøynes has changed its dietary habits. The prevalence of atherosclerotic heart disease in males aged 40-59 years, has declined from 18.9% in 1972 to 8.3% in 1987.