The Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) Project is a chronic disease risk factor surveillance, intervention, and research initiative aimed at combating the unacceptably high prevalence of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses in West Virginia. The initial goal of the CARDIAC Project when it was implemented in elementary schools in West Virginia during the 1998-1999 school year was to identify dyslipidemic children and their parents, and apply novel intervention strategies.