Figure 2 Sample graphical display of requesting figures (April to October 1997) for cholesterol for each 1000 patients on the general practitioner practice list for 22 general practices (numbered 1–22). Cholesterol screening is indicated in patients with established coronary heart disease, in primary prevention patients over 35 years of age, and in all patients with a family history of hypercholesterolaemia. Borderline results should be repeated annually, but acceptable results need not be repeated more frequently than every five years in primary prevention. On treatment follow up should be three monthly until targets are met, and six monthly thereafter. High users should consider whether they are screening patients that they are unlikely to treat. Category of evidence: consultant opinion from national guidelines and randomised controlled trials.