Veterans' Likelihood of Reporting Cardiovascular Disease

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Military Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading chronic health condition in the US population.
• US military veterans represent a critical demographic for understanding population health trends.
• The 'healthy soldier effect' traditionally suggests better health outcomes for service members.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a national sample of veterans and nonveterans.
• To analyze reported CVD prevalence across different age groups within these populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 153,556 respondents (veterans and nonveterans) from the National Health Interview Survey.
• Examined the likelihood of reporting specific types and numbers of cardiovascular conditions.

Main Results:

• Veterans reported higher rates and a greater number of cardiovascular conditions than nonveterans.
• Veterans exhibited higher CVD prevalence at younger ages (25-70 years) compared to nonveterans.
• Nonveterans reported higher CVD prevalence than veterans in older age groups (70-85+ years).

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest a diminishing 'healthy soldier effect' among younger veterans.
• This waning effect may be associated with the unique demands and circumstances of contemporary military service and conflicts.