Background. Data on cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRFs) in Vietnam are limited. This study explores the prevalence of
each CVDRF and how they cluster to evaluate CVDRF burdens and potential prevention strategies. Methods. A cross-sectional
survey in 2009 (2,130 adults) was done to collect data on behavioural CVDRF, anthropometry and blood pressure, lipidaemia
profiles, and oral glucose tolerance tests. Four metabolic CVDRFs (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and obesity) and five
behavioural CVDRFs (smoking, excessive alcohol intake, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and stress) were analysed to identify
their prevalence, cluster patterns, and social predictors. Framingham scores were applied to estimate the global 10-year CVD risks
and potential benefits of CVD prevention strategies. Results. The age-standardised prevalence of having at least 2/4 metabolic,
2/5 behavioural, or 4/9 major CVDRF was 28%, 27%, 13% in women and 32%, 62%, 34% in men. Within-individual clustering
of metabolic factors was more common among older women and in urban areas. High overall CVD risk (≥20% over 10 years)
identified 20% of men and 5% of women—especially at higher ages—who had coexisting CVDRF. Conclusion. Multiple CVDRFs
were common in Vietnamese adults with different clustering patterns across sex/age groups. Tackling any single risk factor would
not be efficient.