Both communities underwent baseline random-sample surveys which demonstrated similar levels of cardiovascular risk factors in the populations of each city. Effective community intervention began in 1983. Total intervention was 7.5 years. Specific objectives of the intervention included a six percent reduction in total cholesterol, a 6 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure, a 30 percent relative reduction in active smokers, a two percent reduction in body weight and body mass index, a 2 ml/kg/minute increase in estimated maximal oxygen uptake, and a 15 percent reduction in fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease event rates. Educational techniques used by the program included: print, radio and televised messages; small group behavior change programs delivered by trained lay volunteers; community and worksite-based blood pressure reduction, cholesterol and multiple-risk factor screening, counseling and referral events; self-help programs; school curricula; smoking prevention programs; risk behavior change competitions; shelf-labeling in grocery stores and menu-labeling in restaurants to indicate low sodium and low fat foods.