[The medico-social problem of arteriosclerosis]

After defining arteriosclerosis and emphasising the need to accept the multiplicity of factors producing it, the present article shows that the disease has all the classic features of a social disease. The various risk factors involved are then analysed. Effective medical treatment of any disease must be based on knowledge of its epidemiology and aetiopathogenesis. Unfortunately in the case of arteriosclerosis not enough is known of either. It is concluded that current prevention of arteriosclerosis must be based essentially on combating the risk factors from childhood. In addition we need a combined approach covering health education, certain social factors, the design and function of the health service and the training and briefing of health service personnel.