North Karelia a region in Finland had at that time according to the Seven Countries Study the highest rate of cardiovascular disease in the world and a particularly low life expectancy for the male population.
The problem prompted public pressure for the authorities to act to increase health and life expectancy in the region.
The initiator was Martti J. Karvonen, an expert in cardiovascular health and the leader of the Finland arm of the Seven Countries Study.
The aim of the North Karelia Project was to reduce the levels of the three main CVD risk factors through behavioral change promoted by community action and participation.
The life expectancy of the entire population increased by 7 years and surveys also showed an improvement in subjective health perceptions.
[7][8] There was a bit of a shortcoming since later on a few other risk factors, such as physical inactivity, obesity, and elevated blood glucose (leading to diabetes) have been identified.