New study by Tulane
We often talk about medicine, drugs, procedures when it comes to heart disease — but what about where people live and whether they have access to a grocery store? New research shows that living in a food desert isn’t just inconvenient — it might be dangerous for people with certain heart conditions.
What the Study Found
- The study, from Tulane University (published in JACC: Advances), followed ~1,550 patients in New Orleans with atrial fibrillation (AF) between 2010–2019. (News-Medical)
- They divided them based on whether they lived in a food desert (USDA definition: more than ~1 mile from a full-service grocery store) vs. those with better access. (News-Medical)
- Key outcomes for those in food deserts (vs. those who weren’t):
• ≈ 2.2× higher risk of ischemic stroke (News-Medical)
• ≈ 3.8× higher risk of death over five years (News-Medical)
• Combined risk of “hospitalization, stroke, or death” was ~42% higher (News-Medical)
Broader Context
- Another recent study showed that food insecurity in younger adults correlates with ~41% increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. (News Center)
- There’s also evidence that neighborhoods historically subjected to redlining show higher rates of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, etc., in part due to poor access to healthy food. (American Heart Association)
So this isn’t just about one disease or one neighborhood — it’s a pattern pointing at how place and policy matter for health.
Implications & Possible Moves
If we take this seriously, some things to consider:
- Clinicians could screen for food access / food insecurity as part of risk assessments in heart disease / AF patients.
- Public health policy: improve grocery access (mobile markets, subsidies, better public transport to stores).
- Community & urban planning: zoning, incentives for stores in underserved areas.
- Nutrition programs aimed at vulnerable populations could help close the gap.
What I’m Chewing On
- It’s one thing to show association, another to show how much of the risk is modifiable if you change food access.
- Cost & logistics: in many places “food deserts” are tied with poverty, infrastructure, transport, culture. Simply putting a grocery store nearby might help, but might not fix underlying issues.
- Equity: who bears the burden when policy lags? Likely the same communities already disadvantaged by socio-economic, racial, or other health access disparities.
Sources:
- Christianson E., et al. Impact of Food Desert Residence on Ischemic Stroke and Hospitalization Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients. Tulane / JACC: Advances. (News-Medical)
- Northwestern Medicine: food insecurity in young adulthood → heart disease risk. (News Center)
- American Heart Association / redlining + food access + cardiovascular outcomes. (American Heart Association)
If people you know are managing AF or other heart risks, this might be worth bringing up with their doctor: access to healthy, fresh, low-sodium food isn't just diet advice — might be a serious factor.
Links:
- Tulane / JACC: Advances study on AF + food deserts (News-Medical)
- Related: food insecurity → cardiovascular disease in young adults (Northwestern) (News Center)
- Related: redlining & access + heart disease / obesity etc. (American Heart Association)
