[Prevention of coronary heart disease--practical viewpoints]

The recently published intervention studies have shown that effective prevention of coronary artery disease can be done by risk factor modification. Identification and care for patients with higher risk is a challenge for the attending physician. He should focus his attention on the three major risk factors: hypertension, hypercholesterinemia and smoking. Normalisation of eating behaviour is the basis in the treatment of hypertension and hypercholesterinemia. For smoking cessation family members should also be advised to stop smoking, too. An effective reduction in the risk profile by life style changes can only be achieved if a good relation between patient and physician can be established.