Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics in Couples: A Community‐Based Study

Background Determination of the correlation of ideal cardiovascular health variables among spousal or cohabitating partners may guide the development of couple‐based interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Method and Results We used data from the HeartSCORE (Heart Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation) study. Ideal cardiovascular health, defined by the American Heart Association, comprises nonsmoking, body mass index 2 , physical activity at goal, diet consistent with guidelines, untreated total cholesterol Conclusions Intracouple concordance of ideal cardiovascular health variables supports the development and testing of couple‐based interventions to promote cardiovascular health. Fruit and vegetable consumption and smoking may be particularly good intervention targets.