In the first phase, follow-up time for each participant was computed and changes in risk factor status analyzed. Cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality rates were calculated. In the second phase, incidence rates of cardiovascular disease were computed by category of risk factor level at baseline. The relative risk of cardiovascular disease was calculated for each risk factor. Multivariable analyses were carried out in the third phase. Regression models were used to determine independent and interactive effects of the identified risk factors on the incidence of and mortality from cardiovascular disease.