Cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease, are a leading cause of premature death and disability worldwide. This article emphasises the importance of prevention in reducing death and disability from preventable non-communicable diseases, especially for individuals with established risk factors for these diseases. It reviews global initiatives to reduce morality rates from these diseases, identifies opportunities for nurses and other healthcare professionals to discuss risk factors with patients, and provides practical suggestions on how to provide advice on healthy lifestyles and enable behaviour change.