Furthermore, in recent years, focus has moved from control of a single risk factor to reducing overall car- Greater benefit may be realized by combining a healthy lifestyle with BP lowering; prevention of diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, obesity, and ischemic events; and avoidance of cardiotoxic exposure (alcohol, cardiotoxic drugs, and chemotherapy) rather than any single approach Although this approach is likely to be valid, it requires evaluation in well-designed trials. New innovative initiatives such as the Life s Simple 7 developed by the AHA emphasize the prevention of CVD and aim to empower individuals on self-care and prevention by concise yet thorough explanation of the AHA s recommendations for healthy living, including guidance on how (1) to get active, (2) to control cholesterol, (3) to eat better, (4) to manage BP, (5) to lose weight, (6) to reduce blood sugar, and The emphasis on prevention is one of the most effective strategies for the 2020 goal of the AHA, defined as to improve the car- diovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from CVDs and stroke by 20 percent by the year 2020. 345 Such initiatives with emphasis on prevention are critical in reducing the burden of HF. FOOTNOTES The American Heart Association makes every effort to avoid any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of an outside relationship or a personal, professional, or business interest of a member of the writing panel. Specifical- ly, all members of the writing group are required to complete Bozkurt et al and submit a Disclosure Questionnaire showing all such rela- tionships that might be perceived as real or potential conflicts of interest. 