In recent years a number of studies concerning ischaemic heart disease prevention have been published. Evidence from clinical and epidemiological research has led to the formation of new guidelines, especially in the field of secondary prevention. Polish Cardiac Society also published recommendations on prevention of ischaemic heart disease. Relatively little is known about how well physicians in Poland follow the guidelines. No comprehensive studies concerning risk factories management after myocardial infarction or myocardial revascularization has been conducted in Poland. Patients with established coronary heart disease were deemed to be the top priority for prevention. However, little is known about quality of medical care in this high risk population. Therefore the Cracovian Program for Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease was planned. The aims of the Cracovian Program are: to monitor quality of clinical care (both in clinical and general practice) in the field of secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease, and to assess factors influencing quality of medical care. The secondary aim of the survey is to improve integration of secondary prevention into clinical practice through meetings with physicians from Cracow cardiology departments and general practitioners, as well as to improve patient compliance and motivating them to change their lifestyle. In the first stage, which was carried out in 1997-98, an evaluation was conducted to access the realization of recommendations concerning secondary prevention. An assessment of integration of ischaemic heart disease prevention into clinical practice can now be performed. The genesis, aims and methods of the Cracovian Program for Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease are discussed in this paper. The quality of hospital, as well as postdischarge care in the field of secondary prevention is described in the next two publications.