Diseases involving an atherosclerotic process, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and peripheral arterial disease, are by far the leading cause of death and disability among both men and women of all ethnic groups. The Framingham study and many other epidemiologic investigations have significantly improved the identification of persons at risk and factors amenable to preventive measures. Multivariate risk profiles have been devised in numerous studies with the aim of facilitating global risk assessment. The SCORE project offers a direct estimation of the overall 10-year cardiovascular risk in high-risk and low-risk regions of Europe. Guidelines are offered to improve cardiovascular prevention. Management of arterial hypertension is a major element. Many persons currently classified as normotensive will become candidates for blood pressure reduction because their cardiovascular risk is high.