Treatment of coronary risk factors in Austria by general practitioners

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.