Oral Contraceptives and Lipid Metabolism: Interim Analysis of the PROCAM Trial

Abstract

The Prospective Cardiovascular Munster Trial (PROCAM Trial) [1] was started at the beginning of 1979. The aim of the study was to establish the incidence of risk factors for myocardial infarction in the population, to investigate the relationship between the risk factors, and to improve prediction and early diagnosis of coronary heart disease. To this end employees from the public and private sectors were examined for risk factors for coronary heart disease and were surveyed to find new cases of lethal and nonlethal myocardial infarctions for comparison with already stored data. One main approach was to investigate the significance of a detailed diagnostic analysis of the lipid metabolism for the prediction of coronary heart disease. This investigation involved a physician using standardised questionnaires to put questions dealing with the history of the participant, the family history, nicotine and alcohol consumption, physical activities and — in women — the use of oral contraceptives. Additionally the blood pressure, the body height, and the body weight were measured and an electrocardiogram was done. Blood samples were taken after participants had fasted for 12 h, to assess more than 20 laboratory parameters. All results were communicated to the family doctor. The participant was informed whether the findings were normal or whether a check-up at the family doctor was necessary. This was the case in 25% of the women and in 40% of the men.