[Prophylaxis in general practice. Aspects of the problems (author's transl)]

For four and a half years prophylactic examinations were carried out quarterly in addition to the statutory early recognition investigations in a general practice. The participation being 42.5% was above the participation rate at the statutory early recognition investigations and showed a marked correlation to age and social stratum, but not to sex. The therapeutic effect, measured by the lowering of the cholesterol level, was compared with data from the literature, our results being below those of the other authors. Then the therapeutic effect was considered from various points of view such as sex, age, social stratum and frequency of participation. The most important result appeared to be that similar investigations are probably necessary once a year at the most on medical grounds, to detect and treat risk factors, which would be of great economic importance.