Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Health Behaviors of Women Veterans.

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, and women Veterans (WVs) face elevated risk due to traditional factors (hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLD), obesity, diabetes, and smoking) and nontraditional factors (depression and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]). Racial and ethnic disparities further affect their cardiovascular health. This study describes CVD prevalence, risk factors, and health behaviors among WVs to inform interventions.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was sent to 1,909 WVs receiving care at a VA Medical Center in California. Participants self-reported health behaviors, CVD diagnoses, and risk factors. The study was approved by the university and VA IRBs (IRB #24-42014).

Results: Among 380 respondents (20% response rate; mean age 53), 58% were non-Hispanic White, 20% non-Hispanic Black, and 14% Hispanic. Common CVD risk factors were HLD (38%), obesity (36%), HTN (33%), smoking (13%), and diabetes (10%). Physical activity was low (vigorous activity 1.9 days/week) and diet suboptimal (score 6.1). Hazardous alcohol use was reported by 45.5%. Mean Patient Health Questionnaire 8-Item Scale and PC-PTSD-5 scores indicated moderate depression (8.7) and mild PTSD (2.9). Risk factors and mental health conditions were higher among WVs aged 18-44; nearly 70% reported ≥1 CVD risk factor. CVD prevalence peaked among those aged 65+.

Conclusions: WVs in this sample demonstrated concerning CVD risk profiles, alongside a high prevalence of mental health conditions and hazardous alcohol use. Future research should examine social and environmental determinants and link survey data with clinical records to clarify behavior-disease relationships. Addressing both mental health and lifestyle factors is essential to reduce CVD risk and improve long-term health outcomes in WVs.