The study, called “Trends in risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Canada: temporal, socio-demographic and geographic factors,” sampled Canadians aged 12 years and older from all socioeconomic and ethnic groups. The prevalence of heart disease and diabetes is rising fastest among Canadians of lower socioeconomic status, who also tend to have the highest cardiovascular risk profiles. The prevalence of hypertension and obesity is increasing in nearly all Canadians, but is rising fastest in those with higher incomes.

“These trends are quite different from the United States where some risk factors such as hypertension are declining,” says Dr. Lee,  cardiologist and scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). s. “In Canada risk factors have not reached a plateau, suggesting that these increases may continue to worsen over time.”

“Our results indicate that young people are increasingly bearing the burden of cardiovascular risk factors,” says Dr. Douglas Lee. “This is an important group because they are the ones who will predict future heart disease, and earlier onset of ccardiovascular disease means potentially longer and more intense treatment over their lifetime.”

These cardiovascular disease findings have implications on both the policy and individual level. Increasing community programming for physical activity in poorer areas, making cities more pedestrian-friendly and improving healthy eating habits are ways to encourage healthier lifestyles (exercising, smoking cessation, healthy eating, etc.) and potentially decrease the rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Young individuals who haven’t considered themselves at risk should take action to reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by diligently scheduling routine medical exams and talking to their doctor.