The MPP aimed to map cardiovascular risk factors and alcohol abuse in the local population and offer individuals at risk an intervention program. From 1974, the study recruited men born between 1921 and 1949 and women born between 1926 and 1949 who were living in the city of Malmö, Sweden. Between 1974 and 1992, approximately 22,000 men and 11,000 women participated in baseline assessments. Males were mostly assessed in the first half of the baseline period (1974-82) and females in the latter half (1981-92). After five to ten years, the surveys were repeated for approximately 6,100 individuals (mainly men). Between 2002 and 2006, participants of the baseline survey were invited to a re-examination. Over 11,500 men and 6,500 women participated in this re-examination. The cohort is also followed up annually via linkage to registries.