Study on Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity in Canada

Overview of Cardiometabolic Diseases

A recent study has investigated the prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM) in Canada, emphasizing lifestyle behaviors that may contribute to its development. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are increasingly common, and when a patient is diagnosed with more than one of these ailments, they are considered to have CM. A significant concern is that individuals with CM often do not receive appropriate healthcare, as treatment is frequently focused on a single disease rather than a comprehensive approach. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet, and stress are believed to have a strong connection with these cardiometabolic diseases.

Research Methods and Data Source

The study, published in BMC Public Health, utilized data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), which randomly selects 65,000 Canadians annually. Key demographic factors, including age, education level, body mass index (BMI), income, marital status, and sex, were taken into account. For detailed analysis, participants were categorized into eight groups: no cardiometabolic condition, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, heart disease and diabetes, stroke and diabetes, stroke and heart disease, and diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The researchers assessed lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet, and stress levels.

Findings of the Study

Focusing on individuals aged fifty and older, the study found that 13.5% had a history of diabetes, 9.8% had been diagnosed with heart disease, and 2.3% were living with the consequences of a stroke. Notably, 22% of those with diabetes also had an additional cardiometabolic disease, while 32.2% of individuals with heart disease had another condition, and 48.4% had experienced a stroke.

The results indicated that individuals with higher education and income levels had lower rates of cardiometabolic diseases, whereas those with elevated BMIs were more likely to be affected. Ultimately, 3.5% of the Canadians studied had CM, with a higher prevalence observed among females.

Relationship Between Lifestyle Factors and Cardiometabolic Diseases

The study highlighted a strong association between lifestyle factors and cardiometabolic diseases. Among the surveyed Canadians with CM, 50% reported elevated stress levels, 50% were completely inactive, and an alarming 73% indicated inadequate fruit and vegetable intake. Inactivity and stress were notably higher in individuals diagnosed with CM.

Recommendations for Management

The study advocates for immediate treatment of patients with cardiometabolic diseases to prevent the progression to CM. Improving lifestyle factors may significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases and potentially lower mortality rates.

Author and References

Written by Laura Laroche, HBASc, Medical Writer.

References:
Sakakibara, Brodie, M., Obembe, Adebimpe, O., Eng, Janice J. “The prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and its association with physical activity, diet, and stress in Canada: evidence from a population-based cross-sectional study”. BMC Public Health. October 24th, 2019.

Too many Canadians live with multiple chronic conditions, say UBC researchers. 2019, https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-12/uobc-tmc120919.php, assessed Dec 12th, 2019.

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay.