Introduction:
Early detection and prevention of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) can reduce the probability of occurrence of these diseases in the future.

Objective:
Assessment of the prevalence of risk factors for CVD among a selected group of university students in Wroclaw.

Material and Methods:
The study group consisted of 955 students (710 females and 245 males) at the Medical University in Wroclaw. The study was conducted between 1998-2003.

Results:
BMI≥25 kg/m2 was observed in 5.9% of females and 25.3% of males, while hypertension was noted in 6.9% of females and 27.8% of males. Total cholesterol level (TC) ≥190 mg/dl was observed in 17.8% of females and 23% of males. Percentage of energy from saturated fatty acids in diets ≥8% was found in 91.8% of females and 95.5% of males. A low intake of dietary fibre was observed in 51.5% of females and in 23.7% of males, while a high intake of dietary cholesterol was seen among 38.9% and 78.8%, respectively. Low physical activity was declared by 55.1% of females and 42.9% of males, while smoking by 13.2% and 24.9%, respectively. Higher average BMI values were observed among students with hypertension, compared to those without hypertension. Students with a TC level of ≥190 mg/dl had, on average, higher diastolic blood pressure and higher average body fat percentage, compared to those with normal TC level. Among males with a TC level of ≥190 mg/dl, a higher average BMI was observed, compared to males with normal TC level. In the diets of males with a high TC level, lower fibre content was noted than in the diets of males with normal TC level.

Conclusions:
Prevalence of risk factors for CVD among students, especially males, observed in this study, may increase the probability of occurrence CVD among them in the future.