Food Insecurity and its Effects on Cardiovascular Health

Background: Over 23 million Americans live in food deserts, furthermore 49 million Americans have experienced food insecurity multiple times throughout the year. In the United States, especially compared to undeveloped countries, food insecurity usually means not having access to healthy, nutritious options. Food choices that are lacking proper nutrients can contribute to obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes which can then impact the cardiovascular system negatively. Objectives: This study will examine how having access to adequate nutrition impacts overall cardiovascular health and risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. The studies selected in this review examine cardiovascular health by studying risk factors like obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, and kidney disease. Methods: An integrative literature review will be use to analyze results. Articles were found using multiple databases. Results: After reviewing the literature, the data was found to fit into three different categories; food insecurity and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with no pre-existing conditions, food insecurity in children and increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and food insecurity and cardiovascular risk factors in those with pre-existing conditions. Conclusions: The data from the articles suggest being food insecure can negatively impact cardiovascular risk factors and overall cardiovascular health. Furthermore, it was found that being food insecure in childhood can lead to increased risk of developing cardiovascular risk factors, such as being obese and having high cholesterol. Finally, being food insecure while having pre-existing conditions, could lead to further worsening of the condition. No correlation was found between blood pressure and being food insecure. Keywords: Nutrition, cardiovascular disease, food insecurity, effects on health, diabetes, obesity, body mass index, cholestero