The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between IHD and nutrition. 404 occupationally active men in Warsaw aged 45-54 years, and 634 men in Bratislava were screened. The dietary habits of both populations were evaluated on the basis of their dietary history. Although no significant correlation between the daily frequency of basic meals consumption and the prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia, overweight and hypertension was found, a tendency to higher prevalence of these risk factors among people consuming only 2 meals daily was observed in both populations. In the Bratislava population, which was characterized by a lower frequency of basic meals consumption, higher consumption of meat, meat products and fat, a higher prevalence of overweight, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension was found. The authors conclude that the influence of unproper dietary habits characteristic of industrialized countries, on the health of their populations cannot be completely neglected.