Abstract Body: Background
Hypertension (HTN) is the most prevalent risk factor associated with cardiovascular mortality. Food insecurity is a social determinant of health that plays a key role in determining one’s risk for HTN and CVD. Individuals experiencing food insecurity are more likely to face difficulty accessing affordable, healthy food options and healthcare. This study aims to assess the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension within populations experiencing food insecurity in Chicago, IL.
Methods
The Cardiometabolic Health Initiative (CHI) is a student-led organization that seeks to increase access to cardiometabolic screening within food insecure communities. CHI offers point-of-care cardiovascular screenings and health coaching at food pantries in Chicago, IL. Data collected include self-reported medical history and vitals. Patients blood pressures (BP) were measured and categorized as normal (systolic blood pressure (SBP)<120 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)<80), elevated (SBP 120-129 and DBP< 80), Stage 1 (SBP 130-139 or DBP 80-89), Stage 2 (SBP >140 or DBP>90), or Hypertensive Crisis (SBP >180 or DBP>120).
Results
BPs were recorded for 408 patients, of which 89 (21.81%) were categorized as normal, 31 (7.60%) as elevated, 105 (25.74%) as stage 1 HTN, 173 (42.40%) as stage 2 HTN, and 10 (2.45%) as in hypertensive crisis. Among the 408 patients, 182 (44.61%) patients self-reported not taking medication for HTN while 226 (55.39%) self-reported taking medication for HTN. Within the group of patients who take HTN medication, 19 (61.29%) had an elevated BP, 60 (57.14%) were in the stage 1 HTN range, 71 (41.04%) were in the stage 2 HTN range, and 4 (40.00%) were in hypertensive crisis. Furthermore, of the patients who do not take HTN medication, 12 (38.71%) had elevated BPs, 45 (42.86%) had BPs in the stage 1 HTN category, 102 (58.96%) in the stage 2 HTN category, and 6 (60.00%) were in hypertensive crisis.
Conclusions
These findings suggest a high prevalence of uncontrolled HTN among patients screened at food pantries in Chicago, IL. This underscores key gaps in HTN management among patients experiencing food insecurity. Inequities that impact access to healthcare and levels of health literacy can contribute to difficulties controlling blood pressure among patients experiencing food insecurity, highlighting the need for additional community-based programs, like CHI, to expand access to preventative care and health education within at-risk communities.