Study title

The aim of the project is to develop better methods for prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It is based on the hypothesis that image-based information on subclinical atherosclerosis (i) increases the precision in the assessment of risk of CVD, (ii) improves communication and understanding of the risk, and as a consequence (iii) the motivation for and adherence to evidence-based pharmacological treatment and lifestyle modification will increase. In addition to conventional risk factor assessment and CVD prevention within the framework of Västerbotten Intervention Program. 3500 healthy participants with low/moderate risk of CVD underwent ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries and were randomized to two groups. In the intervention group, the participants and their doctors received pictorial and graphic information in color about the participant’s subclinical atherosclerosis. No information about the ultrasound results was given to the control group. Follow-up after 1, 3 and 6.5 years includes sampling regarding clinical risk factors, blood for biomarker analyses, extensive questionnaires and interviews. At 3 and 6.5 years the ultrasound examination was repeated and all participants and their doctors were informed about the results. The database also includes register data regarding prescriptions of preventive medication, exposure data for air pollutants, data from health examinations within the VIP 10 and 20 years before VIPVIZA, and for men conscription data. After 10 years, registry data on endpoints, CVD morbidity and mortality will be collected. Access to VIPVIZA's data portal and research data from VIPVIZA is possible in collaboration with researchers within the VIPVIZA project. For further information, contact PI Ulf Näslund ulf.naslund@umu.se