Food insecurity, or the lack of access to adequate food due to financial constraints, has been an ongoing issue in the United States. In recent years, research has shown that food insecurity can have significant negative effects on overall health, including an increased risk for chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Now, a new study has found that food insecurity is also an independent risk factor for heart disease among Black adults.
The study, which was published in JAMA Cardiology, analyzed data from over 8,500 Black adults who participated in the Jackson Heart Study, a longitudinal cohort study of cardiovascular disease in African Americans. The participants were followed for an average of 8.5 years, during which time 738 cases of incident cardiovascular disease were recorded.
The researchers found that, after adjusting for various demographic and clinical factors, food insecurity was independently associated with a higher risk of incident cardiovascular disease. Specifically, participants who reported food insecurity at baseline had a 22% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease during follow-up compared to those who did not report food insecurity.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Tanya Agurs-Collins of the National Cancer Institute, commented on the findings, stating, “Our findings suggest that food insecurity is an important independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease among Black adults, even after accounting for other factors that can affect heart health.”
The study also found that other socioeconomic factors, such as education level and income, did not fully explain the relationship between food insecurity and cardiovascular disease risk.
These findings highlight the need for increased attention to the issue of food insecurity, particularly among marginalized populations like Black Americans. Access to healthy and affordable food is crucial for maintaining good health, and addressing food insecurity is an important step in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in this population.
In conclusion, food insecurity is an independent risk factor for heart disease among Black adults, according to a new study. This highlights the need for increased attention and action to address food insecurity, particularly among traditionally under-served populations.
