Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the main cause of morbidity and mortality in our society. CoLaus is a population-based health examination survey started in 2003 in Lausanne in order to assess: 1. Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, 2. New genetic determinants of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, 3. Association of mood disorders with incidence of cardiovascular events and 4. Trends in prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. In order to do so, over 6000 subjects (ages 35-75 years) provided data on CVD risk factors. Herein we provide preliminary results of this study, in particular on classical risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Implications and perspectives of this population based-study for public health and genetic studies are also discussed.