The burden cardiovascular disease continues to increase worldwide particularly in developing countries. The current paradigm for cardiovascular disease risk recognises the interaction between genetic and environmental factors and the importance of integrating all risk factors into an estimate of absolute risk as a starting point for risk management in individuals. Balanced resourcing and actions the heart health continuum from population health to clinical care are required to ensure optimal improvements. Implementation of evidence-based cardiovascular risk assessment and management guidelines offers the possibility of achieving significant heart health gains for individuals and population groups in a reasonable period of time. Such implementation will require a prospective and systematic approach in the community through primary care necessarily adapted in different settings with adequate resourcing for success. Leadership and teamwork are necessary to initiiate the process through pilot-demonstration projects with a view to making it part of routine practice.