Patients' and physicians' perceptions and experience of hypercholesterolaemia: a qualitative study.

Background: A better understanding of patients' and physicians' perceptions and experience of hypercholesterolaemia will help to improve cardiovascular disease prevention and aid the development of appropriate educational strategies.

Aim: To identify perceptions, experience, educational needs, and barriers to learning in hypercholesterolaemic patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Design Of Study: A qualitative study involving interviews with 27 hypercholesterolaemic outpatients and 21 physicians.