Attitudes to cholesterol measurement and intervention among general practitioners in Bornholm

In 1985 an explanatory report was published about investigation and treatment of hyperlipidaemia. This report, together with a consensus report published subsequently, formed the background for a nationwide cholesterol campaign. The attitudes of general practitioners to measurement of cholesterol and intervention must be considered to have decisive influence on performance of the goal of the consensus report, viz, reduction of the incidence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). By means of a nine-page questionnaire, an attempt was made to assess the attitudes to measurement of cholesterol and intervention among the general practitioners on Bornholm. Out of the 35 questionnaires sent, 27 were returned (77%). Just under 40% of the general practitioners would screen all men aged between 20 and 59 years. Approximately 25% would screen women in the same age group. Opinions were unanimous about screening patients with diabetes, hypertension or IHD. Attitudes towards intervention were, by and large, in agreement with the cholesterol limits recommended in the explanatory report. In general, the general practitioners had well balanced attitudes towards tracing and treatment of individuals with raised serum cholesterol with relevant consideration of cholesterol as an important risk factor in the development of IHD.