Sims M, Glover LM, Norwood AF, et al. - Among 4,734 African Americans free of cardiovascular disease, researchers assessed cross-sectional links of positive optimistic orientation (in tertiles) with the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7) components [smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose] and a composite LS7 score (classified as poor, intermediate, ideal), utilizing exam 1 data (2000–2004) from the Jackson Heart Study. A greater percentage of participants who were younger, female, had high SES and were not depressed, exhibited high vs low optimism. For participants who reported high (vs low) optimism at exam 1, the estimated prevalence ratio of ideal (vs poor) composite LS7 score was 1.24 following full covariate adjustment. Greater prevalence of ideal (vs poor) physical activity and smoking was observed in relation to higher levels of optimism. Based on these findings, the possible significance of promoting positive optimistic orientation among African Americans to increase the chance of achieving optimal cardiovascular health among these individuals is indicated.