OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. This study estimated the trend in the prevalence of CVDs in the US population from 2005 to 2016, evaluated its risk factors, including socio-economic condition, comorbidities, lifestyle habits, and also assessed the utilization of drugs.

METHODS

The study was conducted using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 2005 to 2016. The prevalence of CVD was ascertained from the prevalence of four constituent conditions - congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, and heart attack. The predictors of CVD were investigated using multivariate survey logistic regression models.

RESULTS

34,169 participants with mean age of 47.2 years who responded to CVD questionnaire were considered in this analysis. The prevalence of CVD remains stable ~7% through the period from 2005 to 2016. However, a significant increase in prevalence was seen in certain sub-groups: in current smokers from 6.0% to 9.6%, and in binge drinkers from 3.6% to 4.9%, and in patients with respiratory diseases from 10.1% to 13.8%. The prevalence of CVD has also increased in the population with college or higher education, other than non-Hispanic whites from 5.4% to 6.1% and from 5.2% to 6.0% respectively.

The likelihood of CVD was higher among the elderly (≥60years) (OR=6.92, CI=6.05-7.92), males (OR=1.75, CI=1.56-1.97), current smokers (OR=1.48, CI=1.28-1.71) and respondents with <400%-FPL (OR=1.67, CI=1.43-1.96). The likelihood of CVD was also higher among patients ailing with diabetes (OR=2.86, CI=2.50-3.28) and with respiratory diseases (OR=2.12, CI=1.86-2.41). The proportion of patients suffering with one CVD disorder only who used a CV drug has gone up from 76% to 89% over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in prevalence of CVD in certain subpopulations will be of concern to policy makers and clinical practitioners alike, and will need to be further investigated.