| The escalating societal burden of cardiovascular disease is influenced by multiple modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, and tobacco use. Although genetic factors influence risk somewhat, fundamental causes of cardiovascular disease involve lifestyle factors. The importance of making better lifestyle choices for preventing, arresting, and reversing many common diseases, especially cardiovascular disease, cannot be over-emphasized because of the great societal and financial burden borne by this country. This disquisition reviews the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, presents an analysis of the Coronary Health Improvement Project as an educational and behavioral modification tool to improve those risk factors, and recognizes the critical role of primary care practitioners in educating and counseling patients in how to manage lifestyle issues associated with cardiovascular risk. |
