By comparison, about 20% of the overall adult population in the United States may meet the criteria for optimal heart health.
The scientific statement, titled “Promoting Cardiovascular Health in US Veterans: Current Status, Gaps, and Strategies,” utilizes the Life’s Essential 8 framework to evaluate health. This framework incorporates a healthy diet, physical activity, tobacco avoidance, adequate sleep, healthy body weight, and optimal levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Authors of the statement also separately examined mental health and substance-use disorders, noting that veterans’ health outcomes are often influenced by coexisting chronic conditions. These include obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep disorders, and chronic lung or kidney diseases.
“Veterans are not simply older adults who happen to have served in the military. They are a diverse population with unique health risks shaped by their military service, chronic conditions, mental health, service-related exposures and barriers to care” said Neal Yuan, M.D., chair of the scientific statement volunteer writing group, assistant professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at the University of California San Francisco.
US Veterans make up more than 5% of the US adult population. Compared with the general US population, Veterans are older, have more comorbidities, and face unique structural barriers, including high rates of rural location and less internet access. With time, the makeup of… pic.twitter.com/UhZm2AbKsv
Factors Influencing Veteran Heart Health
The statement identifies that cardiovascular health in veterans is frequently challenged by factors beyond clinical metrics. These include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the use of tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs. The report highlights the impact of psychological stress, injuries, and exposures related to military service, alongside persistent barriers to accessing necessary medical care.
Mariell Jessup, M.D., chief science and medical officer of the American Heart Association, said that the organization’s Military & Veterans Network Employee Resource Group provides support by connecting the veteran community with resources for healthy lifestyles and mental well-being.
Proposed Strategies for Care
To improve outcomes, the statement proposes expanding veterans’ access to healthy food, weight-management programs, and physical activity tailored to individual abilities. It specifically calls for the strengthening of screening, prevention, and treatment protocols for obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. The statement advocates for expanded support regarding mental disorders, substance use, and sleep disturbances.
Practical tools for veterans—particularly those living in rural areas or those with limited internet access who struggle to obtain in-person care—include the use of telemedicine and home blood pressure monitoring.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system currently enrolls approximately 9 million veterans, representing nearly half of the total U.S. veteran population. The VA offers programs for weight management and coordinated primary care that address nutrition, physical activity, mental health and other health factors.
Community-Based Initiatives in Vallejo
Vallejo residents carry a disproportionate burden of air pollution-related heart and lung disease, driven by local sources such as traffic, refineries, and wildfires, as well as cumulative risks linked to poverty.
The Vallejo BREATHE Initiative responds to these challenges with an integrated continuum of prevention and care. Touro University California (TUC), a Jewish nonprofit institution founded in 1997, is a partner in this effort, home to nearly 1,400 students across professional programs including osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, public health, and nursing.
TUC will lead community health education, workforce development, and environmental health interventions. Dr. Trina Mackie, Associate Professor in TUC’s Public Health Program and the institution’s Co-Principal Investigator, stated, “This initiative is where environmental justice, real community need, and the strength of our public health program come together.” “We want to increase access to healthcare careers for Vallejo residents, and they will go on to protect the health of their own families and neighbors” added Dr. Trina Mackie, Associate Professor in TUC's Public Health Program and the institution's Co-Principal Investigator.
The initiative also provides new field training opportunities for TUC public health students, including those pursuing dual degrees alongside clinical programs.
The Vallejo BREATHE Initiative reflects a shared commitment between TUC and Northbay Health to improve community well-being through partnerships. As part of this, the initiative includes an Air Aware Healthcare Workforce component.
For individuals managing asthma or other heart and lung conditions, the program aims to ensure access to the right resources and care. Readers concerned about cardiovascular health or local environmental risks should consult with qualified medical professionals or public health authorities to discuss personalized health strategies and screenings.
