Modern treatments for cardiovascular disease that enhance survival have increased the need to understand and improve corresponding aspects of quality of life. The increasing interest in prevention and health promotion in contemporary cardiovascular care emphasizes reducing risk factors that have major behavioral components, such as smoking, diet, and exercise. Personal and social resources and psychological coping strategies are associated with quality of life both directly and indirectly, through such positive health behaviors. Findings from this research provided an essential foundation for continued investigation focusing on longer-term changes in health status and quality of life in a planned ten-year follow-up with the present sample.