OBJECTIVETo analyze the changes of risk factors in cerebrovascular diseases in cohort-based population after intervention and evaluating the intervention effect.

METHODSIn 1987, an intervention cohort and a control cohort were selected randomly in urban areas of Changsha. Risk factors in cerebrovascular diseases were investigated in two cohort populations aged over 35 years as baseline indication. Then comprehensive prevention of cerebrovascular diseases was carried out in intervention cohort during 1987 - 2000. After intervention for 14 years, a reexamination was taken in the two groups noted above.

RESULTSAfter 14 years, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, mean systolic and diastolic pressure, weight increased from 33.8% to 35.7%, 30 to 129 per 10,000, 128.41 mm Hg to 134.49 mm Hg, 77.78 mm Hg to 78.54 mm Hg, 54.80 kg to 57.78 kg in the intervention group, respectively while the baseline indication increased from 35.9% to 56.8%, 30 to 228 per 10,000, 127.70 mm Hg to 141.80 mm Hg, 78.27 mm Hg to 82.89 mm Hg, 54.92 kg to 59.69 kg in the control one. The changes were of statistical significance in each group except diastolic pressure and the prevalence of hypertension in intervention group, but all the parameters increased significantly in the control group; rate of alcohol intake decreased significantly in two groups, but rate of cigarette smoking decreased with no significance. The changes between two groups were not significant either; the cumulative incidence of stroke was significantly lower in intervention cohort (3.4%) than in control cohort (4.7%).

CONCLUSIONThe risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus etc.) were increasing along with by aging. Intervention programs can delay the increase of risk factors and down-regulate the incidence of stroke.