Adherence (equivalent to compliance) to lifestyle and medication recommendations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a crucial element in the path from the science of risk-factor modification to the actual reduction of risk factors and consequent prevention of disease-related events. This Task Force Report presents an overview of the evidence supporting multilevel strategies for improving the adherence to lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions. Building on available adherence data and consistent with the theme of this Bethesda Conference, suggestions for advancing CVD prevention on both an individual and population level are also offered.