Aim of the study was to investigate attitudes and practice of coronary prev
ention in offices of general practitioners and-internists. 67 Austrian phys
icians took part in a mail survey focussing on hyperlipidemia. 96.6% of par
ticipating physicians recommend dietary intervention at least at total chol
esterol levels of 250 mg/dl, 98.0% prescribe lipid-lowering drugs at least
at total cholesterol levels of 300 mg/dl, At corresponding levels of total/
HDL cholesterol ratios and especially at corresponding levels of LDL-choles
terol the proportion was lower. On average 37.9% of physicians spend up to
5 minutes for patients with hyperlipidemia, 10.3% spend more than 15 minute
s. The time frame is similar in overweight patients, and bigger in patients
with hypertension and diabetes. Dietary therapy is estimated similarly suc
cessful in patients with hyperlipidemia and overweight, but estimated more
successful in patients with hypertension and diabetes. Drug therapy of hype
rlipidemia is estimated more successful than in overweight and diabetes, an
d worse compared with hypertension. Main measures for improving prevention
are more time and specific postgraduate education. The majority of physicia
ns feel that within the last five years quality has improved both in the ou
tpatient and the inpatient care.