Nalini M, et al. - Using data from the Golestan Cohort Study (GCS), a very large prospective study in northeastern Iran, the researchers analyzed the causes of premature mortality (<70 years) and associated risk factors. For this investigation, 50,045 individuals aged 40 or more partook in this population-based study from baseline (2004–2008) to August 2017, with over 99% success follow-up rate. The leading causes of premature mortality in the Golestan Cohort Study were ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke. The study findings suggested that substantial improvements in premature mortality rates should be possible by decreasing the consumption of opium and tobacco, increasing physical activity, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes.