BACKGROUND Cardiovascular risk factors include independent factors such as advanced age, male gender, family history and modifiable risk factors including cigarette smoking, arterial hypertension, lipid disturbances, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dietary habits and stress. In contrast, fruit and vegetables consumption, moderate alcohol consumption and physical activity are cardioprotective factors. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to analyze the lifestyle of students from universities of the city of Wroclaw in the aspect of cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS The studies were performed in 240 students of nature faculties from four public universities and one nonpublic postgraduate school. Mean age of participants was 21.5 +/- 1.5 years. A special questionnaire prepared by the authors was used during the study, and the participants filled it anonymously. RESULTS Among the participants 17.4% claimed to use a special diet. Overweight or obesity were declared by 10.3% of the students but it was proved only in 7.7%. Smoking habit was reported by 23.9% of the participants. Students gave the correct answers to questions on diet in 47.7% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Life style and diet habits of the students from Wroclaw universities do not basically differ from the pattern presented by a statistical Pole and it should be modified. In order to improve the present epidemiological situation it is necessary to include problems of preventive medicine in teaching programs in all Polish universities.