The control of hypertension, atherosclerotic diseases, and diabetes in a family practice.

A community-orientated programme for the control of hypertension, atherosclerotic disease, and diabetes has been developed in a family practice in a neighbourhood of Jerusalem. Intervention is directed mainly towards the control of risk factors associated with these diseases.The programme has specific objectives for diet, smoking, obesity, blood pressure, serum cholesterol, glucose intolerance, and diabetes mellitus, and the identification and treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases. The survey seeks to identify the nature and extent of problems, intervention by medicinal and educational means, and continuing surveillance and evaluation.The programme aims to test and demonstrate the feasibility of carrying out multifactorial community health care within the framework of a family practice, thereby developing a joint practice of primary health care and community medicine.