An educational view of a national initiative to lower plasma lipid levels
W. R. Harlan and J. K. Stross
Two intervention trials have found significant reduction in coronary heart
disease mortality and morbidity following reduction of plasma cholesterol
levels by diet or drugs. The implications of these studies have been
broadened to support a national effort directed to plasma lipid reduction.
The evidence suggests that both a public health and medical approach can be
effective and that each would be complementary in a national initiative. An
important and critical dimension would be education, both of the public and
of health professionals. The pertinent educational issues are identified in
the categories of knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Economic considerations
are an important factor in implementing a national initiative and require
attention in development of a program.
