One-third of U.S adults embraced most heart healthy behaviors in 1999-2002.

A number of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services programs recommend behaviors to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) (1-6). The objective of this report is to estimate the prevalence of persons engaging in multiple behaviors recommended to reduce risk of CVD. Behaviors identified by NHBPEP and NCEP as primary lifestyle modifications to reduce CVD risk include physical activity, four dietary recommendations, smoking abstention, moderate alcohol consumption, and screening for high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol (5,6).