Abstract: Data on the decrease in coronary heart disease in the US are presented in a collection of papers. Change, and trends in the US are compared to international trends (based on mortality and hospital data). Possible causes for the decline, including pathophysiological bases, coronary care, and artery bypass grafts are covered. Finally, changes in risk factors are described: trends in smoking and hypertension; food consumption patterns; changes in blood cholesterol; relation of physical activity, and environmental and social variables. A summary strategy for quantifying and studying coronary heart disease change is included. (rkm).