There is now substantial scientific evidence that patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) have a high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and stand to benefit significantly from efforts to lower cholesterol levels. To evaluate physician practice patterns and attitudes concerning cholesterol assessment and management of patients hospitalized with an admitting diagnosis of CHD, one-month medical record audits were performed during 1983, 1984, and 1985, and a physician survey was administered in early 1986. Medical records of 154 inpatients hospitalized with a diagnosis of CHD before 60 years of age showed that, on the average, 18% had lipid profiles ordered and 11% received a low-fat diet in the hospital. The admission history and follow-up notes mentioned the presence or absence of lipid abnormalities in 53% of CHD inpatients. No significant changes occurred from 1983 to 1985. Survey results from 184 hospital staff physicians caring for these patients showed that less than half believed that a reduction in blood cholesterol lowers risk for heart disease in middle-aged patients with CHD. Interns and residents indicated less confidence in the efficacy of cholesterol-lowering diet and drug therapy than did attending physicians. The implications of these findings for physician training are discussed in light of recent studies of the efficacy of cholesterol lowering in secondary prevention.