A population-based study of cardiovascular diseases in veterans versus non-veterans, and the impact of social support

Veterans are exposed to traumatic and stressful environments. Exposure to stressors can negatively influence health. However, social support has been found to positively influence health outcomes. This study examined the reported prevalence of heart attack, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke, and perceptions of emotional support (ES), on US veterans versus non-veterans. Chi squared tests were performed to investigate the difference between veterans and non-veterans. Veterans were significantly more likely to report ever having a heart attack (p<.001), CHD (p <.001), and stroke (p<.001), than non-veterans. Veterans were also less likely to report receiving the ES needed compared to non-veterans (p<0.001). The odds ratio indicated that the odds of being diagnosed with a heart attack, CHD, and stroke among veterans was 3.01, 2.69, and 1.76, respectively, times as high as for non-veterans. Multiple regression was conducted to investigate the best predictors of diseases of the heart and revealed that not receiving enough ES and being a veteran significantly predicted cardiovascular diseases when both variables were included, F(2,404099)=3313.75,p<.001. This study demonstrates that veterans are at greater risk than the non-veterans for CVD, and less likely to receive needed ES. Those who receive less ES are more likely to have been diagnosed with CVD compared to those who receive more ES. Results of this study highlight important differences in patterns of CVD and ES in veterans and non-veterans. Further research and interventions are needed to eliminate disparities in reported CVD prevalence and lack of ES in veterans.