The Journal of cardiovascular nursing
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Preventive therapies have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. However, health care providers are not addressing prevention and not treating patients according to evidence-based guidelines. ⋯ The skills and attributes of the health care provider, such as expertise and knowledge, skills for assessing readiness for behavior change, relationship building skills, and skill in considering the patient's attitudes and beliefs about the disease or treatment are discussed. Principles of communication to guide the patient-provider encounter, key behavioral change strategies, and use of technology are reviewed and resources available to support prevention goals are presented.