Living in Food Deserts Significantly Increases Stroke Risk for Atrial Fibrillation Patients

A recent study conducted by Tulane University has highlighted a concerning link between neighborhood food access and cardiovascular health in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The research reveals that individuals living in food deserts—areas characterized by limited access to full-service grocery stores—face markedly higher risks of stroke and mortality.

The study analyzed electronic health records of 1,553 patients with AF in the New Orleans region from 2010 to 2019. By mapping patients' ZIP codes against federal definitions of food deserts—areas where residents are more than a mile away from a supermarket—the researchers categorized 1,115 patients as living in food deserts, while 438 resided outside these areas.

Researchers carefully matched patients based on medical profiles, considering factors like age, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, and medication use, including blood thinners. The findings were striking: those living in food deserts had more than double the risk of ischemic stroke and nearly four times the risk of death over a five-year period compared to those in better-served neighborhoods.

Specifically, residing in a food desert was associated with a 2.21 times higher likelihood of experiencing an ischemic stroke and a 3.84 times higher chance of death, even after adjusting for other health risks. The overall risk for adverse health outcomes—including hospitalization, stroke, or death—was 42% higher among residents of food deserts.

These findings indicate that environmental factors, such as access to nutritious food, play a crucial role in managing cardiovascular disease risks. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, including screening for food insecurity and connecting vulnerable populations to nutritional support services. Healthcare providers are encouraged to incorporate simple screening questions about food access into routine care to help reduce these disparities.

The research underscores the need for policymakers and health systems to focus on improving grocery store availability and nutritional support in underserved communities. Early detection and comprehensive community-based strategies could substantially lower stroke incidence and improve overall health outcomes for at-risk populations.

This investigation was supported by the REACHnet network, using data that links neighborhood food access with health outcomes. The authors advocate for expanding efforts to address social determinants of health, highlighting that neighborhood infrastructure—like access to healthy food—is as vital as medical treatment in preventing severe cardiovascular events.