AIM: To study trends in prevalence, risk factors (RF) and mortality of ischemic heart disease (IHD), contribution of RF to risk of death due to IHD and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among male population of Yakutsk; to determine characteristics of atherosclerosis among native male population and migrants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinicopathological epidemiological trial covered male population of Yakutsk. It was performed by standard techniques within the scope of the cooperative program. RESULTS: The analysis of the trends for the last 10 years demonstrates a marked rise in the incidence rates of arterial hypertension (AH), overweight and hypercholesterolemia. CVD mortality reached 38.4% of overall mortality. Such factors as AH, smoking, IHD, ischemic ECG changes and overweight contribute much to the integral risk of CVD death. A comparative morphometric analysis of atherosclerosis development in 1965-1968 and 1985-1988 showed accelerated development of atherosclerosis both among native population and migrants in 1985-1988. There are population differences in development of atherosclerosis in males from native population and migrants. The effects of trace elements on formation of atherosclerosis components in the Far North were evaluated. CONCLUSION: Present-day epidemiological situation in relation to IHD and other CVD necessitates further monitoring of the situation, activation of primary and secondary IHD prevention among population of the Far North.