Subjects, pedigree-related and unrelated, were included based on voluntary participation from five villages in the middle Dalmatian Croatian island of Hvar. The study sample was obtained through non-probability sampling methods; village leaders advertised the study and volunteers meeting age requirements were included. There was no consideration for disease status or use of medication. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure were obtained from subjects above the age of 18 years. Blood samples for measuring biochemical traits and isolation of DNA were obtained only from subjects above 20 years of age.