The healthy heart: health promotion and maintenance

Coronary heart disease is the number 1 killer of American men and women. Although much attention has been focused on reducing risk factors for this disease, interventions have been somewhat unsuccessful. Previous models of health promotion have centered on gathering assessment data, suggesting specific strategies for health promotion, and scrutinizing client support systems. The healthy heart promotion model proposed in the article includes these factors and emphasizes the setting in which cardiovascular health promotion activities occur. A supportive environment is crucial to decreasing the magnitude of modifiable risk factors in a cost-effective manner.