The working panel of the Swiss Foundation for Cardiology has elaborated in 1989 new directives for the treatment of hyperlipaemias. Cholesterol values over 6.5 mmol/l with a cholesterol/HDL ratio over 5 and, in case of coronary heart disease, cholesterol values over 5.2 mmol/l should first be treated by diet. If after 3-6 months, in spite of dietary treatment, cholesterol values remain superior to 6.5 mmol/l or the cholesterol/HDL ratio superior to 6.5, drug treatment must be considered in case of coronary heart disease or arteriosclerosis, considerably abnormal lipid values (cholesterol greater than 7.8 mmol/l; in case of coronary heart disease: cholesterol greater than 6.5 mmol/l), other risk factors, positive family history for coronary heart disease and younger men. Most of the medicaments available today reduce total cholesterol by 10-30%. Combined therapies can be indicated, if in the presence of high risks the different possibilities of monotherapy have not led to the desired success.