[Diet therapy and treatment of hypercholesterolemic patients]

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of death in western industrialized Countries. Different studies have shown the fundamental role of cholesterol-containing lipoproteins in the atherogenic process and the beneficial impact of lowering plasma cholesterol levels. To achieve reduction of plasma cholesterol, in the general population as well as in high-risk subjects, dietetic measures should first aim at controlling such a risk factor. Guidelines to be followed in prescribing a diet for hypercholesterolemic patients are presented.