Trends in Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Risk Factors and Diseases and in Ontarian Adolescents and Young Adults, 2006-2023: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that the burden of cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) disease is shifting to younger populations. The objective of this thesis is to analyze recent trends in various CKM risk factors and disease outcomes in young Ontarians over the past two decades.

Methods: A retrospective population-based cohort study of Ontarians aged 13-40 years old was conducted using ICES data.

Results: Incidence of CKM outcomes such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, and arrythmia all significantly increased from 2006-2009 to 2020-2023 (IRRs 1.23-1.79, 95% CIs 1.17-1.93), while hyperlipidemia and coronary artery disease decreased (IRRs 0.54-0.75, 95% CIs 0.50-0.78). CKM trends also varied across different age strata, with 13-18 year olds seeing the largest annual percent increases in several critical outcomes.

Conclusions: Increases in key CKM risk factors and diseases have occurred in Ontario's younger population from 2006-2023. Future health strategies should focus on disease prevention in this population.