Abstract
It is possible that major risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), e.g. hyperlipidae-mia and hypetension, develop as an attempt by the body to adapt to several environmental challenges, such as increased intake of salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, physical inactivity, stress, increased intake of calories and obesity. the body modifies its metabolic mechanisms depending on the challenge. Development of hyperlipidaemia and hypertension may therefore be a protective mechanism developed by the bodv against environmental challenges. the use of drug therapy to reduce major risk factors may prevent the body's own response to environmental challenges. More sensible approaches to controlling the major risk factors for CHD would be to protect the body from environmental challenges, or to enhance its adaptability to them.