Del Brutto OH, et al. - Researchers assessed the presence of similar stroke risk factors in couples living in a remote rural setting (Atahualpa) using a population-based design. In the Atahualpa Project, Atahualpa residents (aged ≥40 years) were identified by means of door-to-door surveys and those who signed a comprehensive consent form were recruited. They identified 268 couples of 898 people (aged 40 years) who participated in the Atahualpa project. According to the American Heart Association criteria, stroke risk factors were defined. Being married to a spouse with poor physical activity and a poor diet were related to the presence of these risk factors in the other partner. Couple-oriented intervention strategies are needed to improve poor healthy styles that lead to stroke in underserved populations.