[High blood lipids levels--attitudes and management. Different strategies among physicians create uncertainty concerning the therapeutic recommendations].

: In comparing occupational health physicians, GP's and internists in 1990, the former screened their patients for cholesterol, unlike the others, and were more rigorous in their treatment of hyperlipidemia. In 1995 all groups had intensified secondary preventive measures. GP's had decreased primary preventive efforts. In the parallel population follow-up study, interest in lipids had decreased, perhaps echoing the lack of preventive measures in primary health care and the differences among the groups of doctors. Swedish doctors instituted treatment at higher cholesterol levels than did their Italian colleagues. GP's varied markedly in their strategies for treatment of moderately high cholesterol in patients who in addition had other risk-factors. There is a risk that varied treatment strategies and attitudes among doctors make it difficult for patients to adhere to prescribed treatment.