Björn Isaksson

The status in Sweden.

The discussion in Sweden as to which external factors may give rise to the development of atherosclerosis is still very lively. We are far from having reached the stage where it is generally accepted that changes in the diet would be of value in the prevention of atherosclerosis. With respect to tobacco, however, the situation is entirely different. Smoking can be measured in units in about the same way as is done with tablets. This immediately makes it easier for physicians to accept the idea that if the dose is changed, this will affect the organism in a negative or positive direction. As to the importance of physical exercise, we are still lacking evidence in Sweden to support the notion that physical exercise may delay the development of atherosclerosis, prevent heart infarction diseases or reduce the blood pressure.