This chapter focuses on how cardiovascular risk factors contribute to the initiation and progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). Cardiovascular risk factors are currently grouped into traditional and nontraditional types. Traditional risk factors include hyperlipidemia (or dyslipidemia), tobacco use, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, age, male gender, and family history, all of which have been linked to CHD, an association substantiated through multiple large prospective population studies. The categories can be further subdivided into modifiable and nonmodifiable factors: with dyslipidemia, tobacco use, hypertension, and diabetes comprising the former. In spite of their undeniable diagnostic and prognostic value, a portion of the population lacking these traditional risk factors remains at significant residual risk for CHD.