The aim of this study was to screen a target population for modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and to find out how treatment goals were achieved in the treated population. All inhabitants aged between 45 and 64 years in the town of Lede in Belgium were invited by the local authorities for a free health check-up. In total, 629 subjects were screened. Total cholesterol > or = 250 mg/dl or triglycerides > or = 200 mg/dl was found in 38%, increased fasting glucose (> or = 110 mg/dl) in 8.6%, diabetes in 2.8%, increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) (> or = 140 mmHg) in 22% and increased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (> or = 90 mmHg) in 8%. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target level of 115 mg/dl was attained in 13% of treated women and 34% of treated men. Target levels for SBP and DBP were attained in 40% and 75% respectively of those treated. Fasting glucose < 120 mg/dl was found in 33% of the diabetic participants.