Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors by Key Demographic Variables Among Mid-South Church Leaders from 2012 to 2017

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were examined among church leaders ( n = 2309) who attended Mid-South United Methodist Church annual meetings between 2012 and 2017 using repeated cross-sectional data. There was a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) ( b = 0.24, p = 0.001) and significant decreases in blood pressure (systolic: b = − 1.08, p < 0.001; diastolic: b = − 0.41, p = 0.002), total cholesterol ( b = − 1.76, p = 0.001), and blood sugar ( b = − 1.78, p = 0.001) over time. Compared to Whites, a significant increase was seen in BMI ( b = 1.14, p = 0.008) among participants who self-identified as “Other,” and a significant increase was seen in blood pressure (systolic: b = 1.36, p = 0.010; diastolic: b = 1.01, p = 0.004) among African Americans over time. Results indicate BMI and blood pressure are important CVD risk factors to monitor and address among church leaders, especially among race/ethnic minority church leaders.