Homeless individuals experience disproportionately higher rates of heart disease and related mortality compared to the general population. This increased risk is due to a combination of factors, including a higher prevalence of traditional and non-traditional risk factors, limited access to healthcare, and challenges in managing established heart conditions.
This heightened risk is compounded by factors like limited access to healthcare and a higher burden of other health issues like mental illness and substance abuse.
The typical diet of homeless people contributes to heart disease. It consists primarily of highly processed foods that are full of sodium, sugar and chemicals.
Increased Risk Factors and Barriers:
Traditional Risk Factors:
Homeless individuals are more likely to smoke, have uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, and experience adverse lipid profiles due to poor nutrition.Non-Traditional Risk Factors:
Chronic stress, depression, heavy alcohol use, and substance abuse are also prevalent, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Barriers to Care:
Access to timely and adequate healthcare is often limited due to lack of insurance, transportation, and challenges with scheduling appointments.Fragmentation of Care:
Homeless individuals often experience fragmented care due to multiple providers and lack of coordination, hindering effective management of CVD.Socioeconomic Factors:
Poverty, lack of stable housing, and food insecurity contribute to poor health outcomes and exacerbate CVD risk.Mental Illness and Substance Abuse:
Co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders can complicate CVD management and increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes.
Be Encouraged Inc partners with the American Heart Association to bring awareness to nutritional issues, and whenever possible, we address the issues head on by providing food with nutritional integrity to our homeless neighbors.
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