Key result
Cardiovascular risk factors rise among post-9/11 veterans, with obesity prevalence reaching ~48%.
Why the study?
Military veterans have notably high prevalences of cardiovascular disease, but trends in CVD and risk factors among post-9/11 veterans from 2004 to 2021 were not reported.
Cohort (n=43,769)
Among U.S. post-9/11 veterans, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes increased significantly between 2004 and 2021, highlighting the need for targeted lifestyle interventions during the transition to civilian life.
CVD prevalence estimates in post-9/11 veterans may guide risk awareness; leaves open whether targeted interventions alter long-term outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.). Military veterans have notably high prevalences of CVD. The aim was to report the prevalence of self-reported CVD and risk factors among post-9/11 veterans from 2004 to 2021. METHODS: The U.S. Millennium Cohort Study prospectively follows service members and veterans. Eligible participants enrolled in 2001, separated from the military by 2021, and provided CVD information post-separation. Data from cross-sectional snapshots were used to examine unadjusted and standardized prevalences of CVD and risk factors. Linear trends in prevalence tested for significant changes. RESULTS: Among 43,769 participants (average baseline age 37.2) between 2004 and 2006 and 2019-2021, results show current smoking decreased from 23.7 to 8.2 per 100. Prevalence estimates for all other examined factors increased; obesity from 22.2 to 47.7 per 100, hypertension from 9.0 to 23.5 per 100, diabetes from 1.6 to 7.0 per 100. CVD outcomes were less common and increased from <0.8 to <3.0 per 100. CONCLUSIONS: Among a population of post-9/11 veterans, most CVD factors increased between 2004 and 2021. Treatment and intervention programs targeted toward veterans transitioning to civilian life should consider weight management and healthy lifestyle factors related to CVD prevention.
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Kolaja et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Cardiovascular disease (n=43,769). Time period (2019-2021) vs. 2004-2006 (baseline time period) was evaluated on Prevalence of self-reported CVD and risk factors. From 2004 to 2021, cardiovascular risk factors increased among post-9/11 U.S. veterans, including obesity (22.2% to 47.7%), hypertension (9.0% to 23.5%), and diabetes (1.6% to 7.0%).
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