ABSTRACT
This chapter provides theoretical frameworks and practical tools that can be used to motivate and counsel patients in setting and achieving lifestyle behavior change goals and to improve their cardiovascular health. Despite many strategies designed to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) health, there continues to be significant morbidity and mortality related to CVD, and the ongoing prevalence of CVD contributes significantly to the health care cost burden. Three theories that have been widely used and found effective in helping individuals adopt and maintain improved health behaviors are social learning theory, transtheoretical stages of change, and relapse prevention. Relapse prevention is an important intervention strategy for reducing the likelihood and severity of relapse following the cessation or adoption of a lifestyle risk behavior. While many theories provide direction in helping to structure important aspects of health behavior change, communication between health care professionals and patients is key to motivating individuals and helping them maintain lifestyle changes.
