Abstract 14020: Five-Year Trends in Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Among Adolescents in the United States

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States (US) and worldwide. Past studies have demonstrated a rise in sedentary life-style among adolescents. We aim to provide an up-to-date representation of the prevalence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors amongst adolescents in the US. Methods: We queried hospitalization records of adolescents of ages 10-19 years (inclusive) via the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample, a set of de-identified records provided by HCUP, AHRQ and partners. The trends of several risk factors were estimated (per 100,000 hospitalization) via linear-by-linear analysis as per past studies of the database. Results: Our study found an increasing trend in prediabetes (41 per 100,000 in 2016 to gradually reach 309 per 100,000 in 2020, ptrend<0.01), hypertension (2334 per 100,000 in 2016 to reach 2756 per 100,000 in 2020, ptrend<0.01), diabetes (5119per 100,000 in 2016 to reach 5733 per 100,000 in 2020, ptrend<0.01), obesity (6153 per 100,000 in 2016 to reach 8221 per 100,000 in 2020, ptrend<0.01), smoking (8166 per 100,000 in 2016 to reach 9117 per 100,000 in 2020, ptrend<0.01), and family history of ischemic heart disease or cardiovascular disease (1687 per 100,000 in 2016 to reach 1922 per 100,000 in 2020, ptrend<0.01, ptrend<0.01) (Figure 1). In addition, the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rose from 34 per 100,000 in 2016 to reach 68 per 100,000 in 2020 (ptrend<0.01). A similar rise in events of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) was seen with 123 cases per 100,000 reported in 2016 and this increased to 156 per 100,000 in 2020 (ptrend<0.01) (Figure 1). Conclusion: There is an alarming rise in various risk factors that can lead to future cardiovascular disease among adolescents. Furthermore, the incidences of AMI and AIS among adolescents are on the rise. Stronger health-related sensitization campaigns promoting healthier life-style should be mooted.