Risk Factors for Premature Death in Men 56–60 Years Old: A Prospective Study of Men Born 1914, Living in Malmö, Sweden

Abstract
In a five-year follow-up of a random sample of men aged 55 the association between risk factors and premature death was analysed. The overall mortality in five years was 5.8%. The mortality among the smokers was 8%; among non-smokers 2%. Of 16 cancer deaths all were smokers except one who was an ex-smoker. In spite of treatment of hypertension (>165/110 mmHg) there was an association between high blood pressure and premature death, particularly when cause of death was cardiovascular disease. There was no association between premature death and serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides or physical activity. The study is based on 703 men, of whom 41 died. The autopsy frequency was 93%. Only 3 men (0.4%) were lost to follow-up.