Se estudio la presencia de factores de riesgo y protectores para enfermedades cardiovasculares, en universitarios jovenes normotensos. La muestra estuvo comprendida por 100 sujetos, 39 mujeres y 61 hombres, estudiantes voluntarios de las carreras de pregrado de la Universidad Simon Bolivar. Es un estudio no experimental, de campo y transversal. Los instrumentos utilizados para la recoleccion de datos fueron: Dinamap, cuestionario de ansiedad de Spielberger, y cuestionario de informacion personal. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que los estudiantes universitarios presentan sintomas de ansiedad lo que indica un manejo inadecuado del estres academico y desconocimiento de los antecedentes familiares paternos y maternos. Solo el 22 % reconoce llevar una dieta balanceada. Sin embargo, muestran conductas protectoras. El 77 % no fuma, y el 85 % realiza algun tipo de ejercicio. Existen variables como la ansiedad, la dieta no balanceada y el desconocimiento de antecedentes familiares que deben ser manejados por los profesionales de la salud para ayudar a estos jovenes en el manejo del estres y la consecucion de estilos de vida saludables para la prevencion de enfermedades cardiovasculares. ABSTRACT: In the present study we measured risk and protective factors in cardiovascular diseases, in young adults. The group consisted by 100 (39 female and 61 male), volunteers who were undergraduate students of Simon Bolivar University. This was non-experimental field and cross-sectional study. Data were collected via the following instruments: Dinamap, Spielberger Anxiety Questionnaire and Personal Information Questionnaire. Results indicated that this group of students presented with symptoms of anxiety; that they may possess inadequate academic-stress management skills, and that they are also unaware of the family history of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, 22 % reported that they do not have a balanced diet. However, they did possess some protective behaviours; for example, 77 % reported they were not smokers, and 85 % exercised. Experts in the field concur that it is important that health professionals work to change risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and that they must focus specially in young people to help them managing stress and develop adequate health behaviours and life styles in order to prevent eventual development of cardiovascular diseases.