Implications of genetic research for control measures

Coronary heart disease and hypertension are 'mass' diseases to which nearly all individuals are in varying degree susceptible. Incidence rates, population differences and time trends are determined by environment and lifestyle. Within populations the different levels of precursors in individuals are probably genetically determined to a large degree. Genetic and environmental approaches to research are interdependent, but the contribution of genetic advances to control measures is currently confined to less common conditions or to individuals at exceptionally high risk.