Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases will attack, from 2020 in sub-Saharan Africa, according the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), one in two students aged 20-25. They would constitute the main public health concern for the states of this part of the continent, where the control of the skill level of the populations in health literacy (HL) still escapes the authorities in charge of public health policies. Provided that such control represents a great opportunity for better effectiveness of health promotion policies and preventive, educational and health care for cardiovascular diseases and therefore, a guarantee of good health for citizens (Beauregard, 2010). Objective Given the fact that the level of HL skills varies according to socio-political and economic contexts, according to the culture and the environment in which we find ourselves (WHO, 2013), this study seeks to describe the level of HL skills of students in link with appropriate use of the means of prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Methodology. The study concerns 500 students/ youths enrolled in secondary and university education, whose ages vary between 12 and 20 years. Based on quantitative design, the study aims to describe and report on all of the students and young people's practical experiences related to health literacy skills. Results The results indicate, in general, unequal access of students to health knowledge. In addition, the level of their skills in cardiovascular health literacy varies according to the economic capital of their family, the possession or not of an Android phone with internet connection, the level of prestige of the cultural capital of family. Conclusions The study suggests not only to encourage students to develop their health literacy skills, but also the need to put a particular emphasis within schools and universities on knowledge related to health literacy, in order to better enhance capacities of students to cope with cardiovascular health problems. Key messages The level of their skills in cardiovascular health literacy varies according to the economic capital of their family. The need to put a particular emphasis within schools and universities on knowledge related to health literacy.