Veterans
Veterans are at a Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Compared to Non-Veterans.
A study completed in 2014 that tracked veterans for a 20-year period has shown that veterans may be at higher risk for heart disease. The has determined that the link between veterans and heart disease is independent of other baseline socio-economic characteristics, chronic medical conditions, health behaviors, BMI, and depressive symptoms.
Veterans are at higher risk of poor physical health and mental health. They also more frequently report health-compromising behaviors such as smoking. Veteran status has been referred to as a "hidden variable" in gauging the risk of cardiovascular disease in aging veterans.
We Thank and Appreciate the Men and Women of the United States Military
As of the 75th anniversary of V-E Day, May 8, 2020, there were about 300,000 World War 2 veterans living in the United States.
More than 5.7 million Americans served during the Korean War from 1950 through 1953. More than 2.25 million Korean War vets are still alive.
Of the more than 2.7 million Americans who served in Vietnam, 610,000 are still alive, with another 164,000 Naval vets who served in the waters around Vietnam. There are about 2,500 Air Force vets who flew over Vietnam from bases in Guam, Thailand, and other countries far from the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam.
When the military draft ended in 1973, the United States transitioned to a volunteer force and that continues today and we thank all of these brave men and women who answered the call and gave of themselves to serve our nation.
Higher Rates of Mental Illness
Since veterans are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, it is important to look at other risk factors that can be leading to the disproportionate number of veterans who are at risk. One factor that has been discussed and studied was that veterans suffered from mental illnesses at a higher rate than the general population.
Depression has been known to lead to higher rates of cardiovascular disease. Studies that correlate war trauma and depression with heart conditions go back as far as the United States Civil War! For Vietnam Veterans who suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, cardiovascular disease was diagnosed at higher rates even 20 years after they came home from the war.
Stress, trauma, depression, PTSD, and other behavioral issues such as smoking at a greater rate than the general population are all major risk factors for cardiovascular disease
It is Time to Take Control of Your Health
Knowledge is power. Working with Janet and Take Control of Your Health is the first step to get the information you need to make the decision to live a healthy lifestyle. It is never too late to improve your health and increase the odds of avoiding a potentially serious or fatal heart attack or stroke.
Schedule your appointment or email your request for an appointment.
Family History
It is very common for specific health issues to run through a family. If your family has a history of heart disease or other neurological issues, the changes of you having similar issues is much greater than the average person. A Health Screening can show the possibility of potential risk factors so you can take control of your health.
High-Risk Individuals
If you have a history of heart disease, diabetes, smoking, or high blood pressure, it is important to get regular screenings. Ultrasound health screenings can show any potential issues that will need to be addressed by your doctor. Take control of your health. Proactive care can help to prevent future health concerns.