FROM THE DISCOVERY OF RISK-FACTORS FOR CORONARY-ARTERY DISEASE TO THEAPPLICATION OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Hyperlipidemia and high blood pressure have clearly evolved as major r isk factors for cardiovascular diseases. High fat intake, obesity, and cigarette smoking have been shown to be root causes of such risk. Eco logic correlations and case-control studies have provided evidence tha t hyperlipidemia and obesity certainly have their beginnings during ch ildhood, and that the onset of cigarette smoking at a young age escala tes the risk for coronary artery disease. Thus, preventive measures wi ll have the greatest impact when applied at an early age. In fact, sev eral fine comprehensive school health education programs (eg, Health A head/Heart Smart, Know Your Body) have demonstrated that behavior can be changed and that the risk factors for heart disease can be reduced. Such programs are most cost effective when they are multifactorial in nature and address health promotion on a broad scale. Therefore, comp rehensive school health education programs should be a component of na tional health-care reform. The investment in early health education wi ll pay off by deterring chronic diseases in adulthood and will thus co ntribute to a healthier nation.