BACKGROUND: The lifetime risk of heart failure (HF) is higher in the black population than in other racial groups in the United States. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured the Life's Simple 7 ideal cardiovascular health metrics in 4195 blacks in the JHS (Jackson Heart Study; 2000-2004). We evaluated the association of Simple 7 metrics with incident HF and left ventricular structure and function by cardiac magnetic resonance (n=1188). Mean age at baseline was 54.4 years (65% women). Relative to 0 to 2 Simple 7 factors, blacks with 3 factors had 47% lower incident HF risk (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.73; P<0.0001); and those with >/=4 factors had 61% lower HF risk (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.24-0.64; P=0.0002). Higher blood pressure (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.28-4.20; P=0.005), physical inactivity (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.07-2.55; P=0.02), smoking (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.43-2.91; P<0.0001), and impaired glucose control (HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.34-2.29; P<0.0001) were associated with incident HF. The age-/sex-adjusted population attributable risk for these Simple 7 metrics combined was 37.1%. Achievement of ideal blood pressure, ideal body mass index, ideal glucose control, and nonsmoking was associated with less likelihood of adverse cardiac remodeling by cardiac magnetic resonance. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular risk factors in midlife (specifically elevated blood pressure, physical inactivity, smoking, and poor glucose control) are associated with incident HF in blacks and represent targets for intensified HF prevention.