Cardiovascular risk factors in a population of adults with mental retardation were examined. The subjects resided in three types of settings (16+ bed facility, group home, and natural family) and were measured on the following parameters: blood lipids, obesity, and smoking. The data were compared to a nonretarded population and to the guidelines established by the National Cholesterol Education Program. Results indicated that adults with mental retardation had cardiovascular risk profiles similar to those of individuals without mental retardation in the Framingham Offspring Study and that to the extent that cardiovascular health is a concern to the general population, it must also be a concern for individuals with mental retardation.