Introduction: In recent years, the dominance of cardiovascular diseases as a major contributor to total mortality globally was observed. Standardized death certification rates for cerebrovascular disease in Bulgaria in the age group 0-64 were about six times higher than in England in 1994. Methods: This study is based on a sample of 3100 people aged 25 - 74. Subjects were invited to their local polyclinics where anthropometrical indices and blood pressure were measured, a blood sample drawn and questionnaire administered. Results: Means and proportions for ages 35 - 64 standardised to the...