International journal of Research in Management (August 2011, issue1 volume 1) ISSN 2249 – 5908 Page | 76 CARDIOVASCULAR RISK BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLE: A POPULATION BASED STUDY AMONG MEN AND WOMEN. Vijay Pratap Raghuvanshi #1 (M.Phil, PGDHM), Dr. Rajkishore Agrawal #2 (MS,MBBS) #1 Assistant Professor, Institute of Health Management and Research (IIHMR), 1 Prabhu Dayal Marg, Near Airport, Sanganer, Jaipur -302011 India. vpraghuvanshi@gmail.com #2 Senior Consultant, Wockhardt Hospitals, Plot No- 1139, Sirpattani Road, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. rajkishorea@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is the leading cause of death among men and women. Lifestyle related behavioural risk factors are mainly implicated for increased burden of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the all regions of India, with the highest proportion in the Southern region (25%) and the lowest in the Central region (12%). The other prominent causes of death across different regions are respiratory diseases, diarrhoeal diseases, perinatal conditions, tuberculosis and cancer. Coronary heart disease is linked to various lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, smoking and stress. Objective: To identify lifestyle behaviours related to risk of Cardiovascular Disease and to understand the perceived risk of different lifestyle behaviours among men and women. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among the men and women in Gujarat. A self administered questionnaire with combining questions on risk factors, alcohol, tobacco consumption, exercise program, nutrition habits, personal health history, covering major aspects of lifestyle and behaviour related to cardiovascular diseases. The ethically questionnaire was distributed to the people and information collected on risk behaviours within age group between 25-65 years. Conclusion: Developing strategies at these risk behaviours and determining factors is necessary to promote healthy lifestyle among men and women. Keywords: Cardiovascular, risk behaviors, Coronary Heart disease, alcohol, smoking, exercise, lifestyle