Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Adults: United States, August 2021-August 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were used to determine prevalence estimates for no, one, or two or more cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled high blood lipids, uncontrolled high mean blood glucose as measured with hemoglobin A1c, and high body mass index) in U.S. adults age 20 and older during August 2021-August 2023. Trends are also presented from 2013-2014 through August 2021-August 2023.

Methods: All participants age 20 and older with complete CVD risk factor data were included. Pregnant women were excluded. All analyses accounted for the survey's complex, multistage probability design. For August 2021-August 2023, differences in estimates between subgroups were tested using t tests. Polynomial regression models were used to test for linear and quadratic trends, accounting for unequal spacing and lengths of survey cycles. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 level.

Key findings: During August 2021-August 2023, 36.4% of adults had no CVD risk factors, 34.9% had one, and 28.7% had two or more. The prevalence of two or more CVD risk factors was higher in men than in women. The prevalence of no CVD risk factors decreased with age, and the prevalence of one CVD risk factor increased with age. Adults with family income of 350% or more of the federal poverty level had the highest prevalence of no CVD risk factors and the lowest prevalence of two or more CVD risk factors. From 2013-2014 to August 2021-August 2023, the prevalence of two or more CVD risk factors increased.