Important changes in lifestyle that have major effects on risk of CHD have occurred since the end of World War II, such as the decline in total serum cholesterol levels, reduced cigarette smoking, improved treatment of high blood pressure, as well as an increase in the prevalence of obesity. Cohorts born just prior to World War II and right afterward are most likely to be affected by these changes since these cohorts are most likely to be affected by more recent behavioral trends in lifestyle factors.

Cohort alternations in risk factors would emerge more rapidly in younger groups as was observed in the US and other countries.

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