Abstract
Assessing an individual's risk of coronary heart disease should involve an examination of all the main risk factors in a setting where follow up advice and treatment is available if required. A selective approach to cholesterol testing is suggested and a range of recommendations are made for primary care workers and other health professionals, health authorities and government. This paper represents the consensus view of a wide range of bodies and it is intended to be the first in a series of publications on how to carry out risk assessment and provide consequent services.