The prevention of atherosclerosis
Ritschard, T.
Schweizerische Rundschau für Medizin Praxis 78(50): 1396-1398
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 1013-2058 PMID: 2595159 Document Number: 338248
Factors indicative of an increased risk for atherosclerotic disease comprise hereditary factors, male sex, abuse of tobacco, elevated total and LDL-cholesterol, hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Effective prevention is possible along two strategies: 1. population-oriented, using guidelines for life style, and 2. individual-oriented by identifying and treating those at significant risk. Changes in life style like to dispense with smoking, dieting and reducing cholesterol intake have to be tried before pharmacotherapy is attempted. Preventive measures should be encouraged as early as possible, ideally as health-conscience education of children. Efficient drugs are available but not very cost-efficient. They are useful as adjunct in selected cases.