Foster discusses a large number of factors which play a role in the genesis of this condition, as well as in its prevention and treatment. These are genetic factors over which we have no control, except that we can use family histories as a guide or warning. The national diet is a major contributor and is given a very thorough analysis in this book. I am convinced that the best diet is one which is low enough in calories to prevent obesity, which has reasonable levels of fat, especially vegetable fats, but not to the exclusion of animal fats, and which is high in all the natural fibers. Cholesterol certainly plays a most important role, but it is the body's construction of cholesterol and how it deals with it which is the most important factor.
Life style plays a part, as it includes smoking, exercise and diet.
Certain diseases like diabetes mellitus are associated with increased disease, as are autoimmune problems. Personality appears to be involved with heart disease, being more prevalent in hard-driving, aggressive types. Compounds that lower cholesterol levels are used when diet alone will not do so. Of these only one, niacin, is a natural product. This vitamin can be used for decades with safety, and is the only compound shown by a 10 year study to decrease mortality.