Heart disease is a prevalent health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. A recent study conducted by Northwestern Medicine has shed light on a potential link between food insecurity and the development of heart disease later in life. The study found that young adults who experience food insecurity have a 41% greater risk of developing heart disease in midlife, even after accounting for demographic and socioeconomic factors.
Food insecurity, a condition where individuals struggle to access enough nutritious food to maintain their health, is a significant issue affecting one in eight households in the United States each year. Dr. Jenny Jia, an instructor of general internal medicine and preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of addressing food insecurity early as a means of preventing heart disease in the future.
The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which has been following Black and white U.S. adults since the mid-1980s. Participants who reported food insecurity in their early 30s to mid-40s were compared to those who were food secure. The results showed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were 41% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease over the next 20 years compared to their food-secure counterparts.
Dr. Jia highlighted the need for healthcare providers to screen for food insecurity and connect patients with community resources to address this issue. Primary care settings, such as internists, pediatricians, and family doctors, are ideal for screening for food insecurity due to the trust between providers and patients. Screening for food insecurity can also be extended to emergency rooms and specialties like cardiology, with various healthcare professionals involved in the process.
Moving forward, Dr. Jia and her team plan to continue tracking the long-term effects of food insecurity on heart disease. By understanding the evolving link between food insecurity and heart disease, they aim to develop strategies to address this issue and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in at-risk populations.
The study, titled “Food Insecurity and Incident Cardiovascular Disease Among Black and White US Individuals, 2000-2020,” provides valuable insights into the relationship between food insecurity and heart disease. This research underscores the importance of addressing food insecurity as a preventive measure for heart disease and highlights the need for continued efforts to support individuals facing food insecurity in our communities.
