The Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) is a large, prospective, long-term, population-based cohort study and a unique research platform and network to obtain substantial knowledge about several risk and prognostic factors in major chronic diseases.

A random sample of 45.000 participants between 45 and 74 years of age from the general population of Hamburg, Germany, will take part in an extensive baseline assessment at a dedicated study center. Participants undergo 13 validated and 5 novel examinations primarily targeting cardiac, arterio-venous and cerebral function and structure including extensive imaging examinations. The protocol includes self-ratings of life style and environmental conditions, , dietary habits, physical activity, professional life, psychosocial context, , digital media use, medical and family history as well as health care utilization patterns. The assessment is completed by genomic and proteomic characterization. Beyond the identification of classical risk factors for major chronic diseases and survivorship, the core intention is to develop complex models predicting health outcomes based on a multitude of examination data, imaging data and behavioral assessments. Participants at risk for coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke and dementia will be invited for a visit to conduct additional MRI examination either of heart or brain. Endpoint assessment of the overall sample will be completed through repeated follow-up examinations and data from involved health and pension insurances.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inhabitant of the city of Hamburg at the time of inclusion into the study (Inclusion is time of written consent)
• Age 45 to 74 years
• Personally signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Insufficient knowledge of the German language, in order to understand study documents and computer assisted interview without translation
• Physical or psychological incapability to travel to the study center and to cooperate in the investigations

Population based cohort, participants are identified by a random sample from the official inhabitant data file divided into gender and six age strata.