Food Insecurity: A Hidden Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Food insecurity is not just a social issue; it’s a critical health concern that deserves our attention, especially in relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to a landmark study published in JAMA Cardiology, food insecurity may be an independent predictor of CVD risk—a revelation that could reshape how we approach healthcare.
Understanding Food Insecurity
In the United States, startlingly, one in eight individuals lacks consistent access to sufficient food. This deficiency profoundly impacts not only personal well-being but also public health at large. Individuals facing food insecurity are likely navigating a daily struggle that can lead to numerous health complications, particularly concerning the cardiovascular system.
The Study: A Closer Look
Data Insights from CARDIA
Research conducted by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine delved deep into this connection. Utilizing data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study—a longitudinal project that started recruiting young adults in 1985—the study focused on a subset of participants who reported their food insecurity status between 2000 and 2001 (n=3616).
The study evaluated the occurrence of CVD events through 2020, categorizing these into fatal and non-fatal cases such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and peripheral artery disease.
“Food insecurity may be an important measure of social deprivation to consider in clinical assessments of individual CVD risk.”
Demographics and Findings
In the analysis, 15% of participants reported food insecurity, while the remaining 85% reported stable access to food. Here’s a snapshot of the comparison:
- Average Age:
- Food Insecure: 39.6 years
- Food Secure: 40.2 years
- Gender:
- Food Insecure: 62% women
- Food Secure: 55% women
- Race:
- Food Insecure: 68% Black
- Food Secure: 43% Black
- Healthcare Access:
- Food Insecure: 90% had a usual source of healthcare
- Food Secure: 95% had a usual source of healthcare
- Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Food Insecure: 30.3
- Food Secure: 28.5
During the follow-up period, a total of 255 CVD events occurred, revealing that those grappling with food insecurity displayed a higher event rate (11%) compared to their food secure counterparts (6%).
The Implications of Food Insecurity on CVD Risk
Key Findings
The study’s findings illuminated the stark reality that food insecurity is associated with an increased risk for CVD, marked by an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.41. Old patterns of food scarcity matter too—both early and chronic food insecurity were linked to higher CVD risk (hazard ratios of 1.60 and 1.63, respectively).
Interestingly, when income factors were included rather than education levels, the correlation between food insecurity and CVD risk slightly diminished, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of these health disparities.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
This study underscores a significant conclusion: addressing food insecurity could lead to tangible improvements in cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that food insecurity acts as a crucial social determinant of health that healthcare providers should pay attention to during assessments.
“Food insecurity was associated with incident CVD even after accounting for socioeconomic factors, implying that tackling food insecurity could alleviate cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.”
As we consider the elements that contribute to heart disease, it’s imperative we include food security as a central pillar of preventative health strategies.
Further Reading and Resources
For more insights on the intersection of health and socioeconomic factors, check out The Cardiology Advisor for recent studies and strategies.
Disclosure: One author of this study has affiliations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and/or device companies. For a complete list of disclosures, please refer to the original article.
