The 21‐year follow‐up of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study: risk factor levels, secular trends and east–west difference

Abstract

During the past 15 years, BMI and triglyceride levels have increased in young adults in Finland. At the same time, the reduction in cholesterol concentration has been slow. Consistent with persistent regional differences in cardiovascular morbidity within Finland, our data demonstrate significant differences in the levels of cardiovascular risk factors between subjects originating from eastern and western Finland.