[Health education: general concepts].

A short history of the birth and evolution of the concept and present definition of Health Education is presented. As the purpose of the Health Education is to change the individual and collective attitude to health, and since it is an active educational process, it is necessary to act on the cognitive and operative sphere. Health Education should be inserted in all the programs of the Social and Health Services including hospitals. Hospital cardiological units should also fulfil this important role with regard to the largest group of social illnesses: Cardiovascular Diseases.