Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States,
overtaking communicable diseases, a trend that is likely to get worse. American Heart
Association impact goals for cardiovascular health recommends behavioral
modification pertinent to life style measures such as physical activity, diet, smoking,
and alcohol consumption. Global burden of cardiovascular disease stresses the
importance of public and private sectors and governmental involvement in addressing
the problem. A heart healthy diet is of value in primary prevention of cardiovascular
disease, based on the Mediterranean diet or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
eating pattern. Dietary measures must be taken in conjunction with physical activity,
with some physical activity always better than none. Smoking cessation is never too late
to implement; physicians need to spend adequate time in effective counseling. Alcohol
consumption is not to be encouraged; excessive drinking is harmful, while benefits may
be apparent with alcohol consumption in moderate amounts.
Keywords: Addressing lifestyle, AHA goals, alcohol use, behavior,
cardiovascular disease prevention, DASH diet, diet, global health, healthy
lifestyle, mediterranean diet, nutrition, physical activity, primary prevention, risk,
sodium intake, tobacco use, wellness.