An educational view of a national initiative to lower plasma lipid levels.

Two intervention trials have found significant reduction in coronary heart disease mortality and morbidity following reduction of plasma cholesterol levels by diet or drugs. The implications of these studies have been broadened to support a national effort directed to plasma lipid reduction. The evidence suggests that both a public health and medical approach can be effective and that each would be complementary in a national initiative. An important and critical dimension would be education, both of the public and of health professionals. The pertinent educational issues are identified in the categories of knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Economic considerations are an important factor in implementing a national initiative and require attention in development of a program.