[Cholesterol 87--status of knowledge of the Vienna public]

A representative survey on cholesterol was carried out in June 1987 in Vienna on the basis of a personal interview. 93% of 1471 interviewees knew the term cholesterol, but only 65% knew its meaning. 46% associated it with myocardial infarction, 11% with cardiovascular disease. The cholesterol level had already been measured in 61% of the interviewees; out of these 16% had an elevated value, 68% a normal one; 16% did not know their own cholesterol. 70% were prepared to submit to an annual check up on their cholesterol or at even more frequent intervals. 94% would be willing to undertake counteractive measures in case of elevated cholesterol, 71% to stick to a diet, 56% to alter their lifestyle and 35% even to take medication.