Patient and public education for cholesterol reduction: a review of strategies and issues.
Elevated blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and a significant public health problem, affecting as many as 50% of all adults in the U.S. Public, professional and patient education are central to current widespread efforts to increase awareness and effective management of high cholesterol. Screening/case-finding, follow-up and nutrition education are the most widely applicable strategies for cholesterol reduction. The following topics are reviewed: current guidelines for treatment of elevated cholesterol levels; trends in awareness, attitudes and practices of the public and health professionals; reports of interventions for cholesterol reduction; and health policy issues and research needs related to cholesterol education. This review suggests that several major challenges lie ahead for widespread and effective educational management of high cholesterol levels. These include development of practical screening and education systems, establishment of feasible financing arrangements, effective communication of complex information to patients, and techniques for long-term maintenance of reductions in cholesterol levels.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000517:prevention & control; D014481:United States