Grant: Project Grant

Over the last couple of decades, the rates of cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attacks and stroke, are decreasing in almost all age groups of adults. Surprisingly though, the rates of heart attacks and strokes are rising in young adults aged 18 to 39 years of age. This increase is linked to growing rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sedentary lifestyles. Many young people are looking for ways to protect their health beyond just diet and exercise-and one option gaining attention is a class of medications called Glucagon Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as Ozempic® and Trulicity®. These drugs have become very popular, possibly among young adults, because of social media, celebrity endorsements, and online advertising. For example, in the United States, GLP-1 RA prescriptions for young women rose over 650% between 2020 and 2023. Despite their growing use, we know very little about how these medications are being used by young adults in Canada-or whether they improve heart health in this age group. This study will use Alberta's large health databases to track who is getting GLP-1 RA medications, whether there are differences based on sex, income, or ethnicity, and whether these drugs help prevent major heart problems like heart attacks, strokes, or cardiovascular death among young adults. By filling this gap in knowledge, the study could help guide better care for young adults and ensure that everyone has fair access to treatments that may protect their heart.