Food insecurity in children with heart disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric cardiology
• Nutritional science
• Public health

Background:

• Food insecurity (FI) is linked to adverse health outcomes in children, including obesity and increased cardiovascular risk.
• In the U.S., 17.3% of households with children experience FI, disproportionately affecting nonwhite and single-parent families.
• Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are particularly vulnerable to poor outcomes due to altered metabolism, growth impairment, and feeding challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology of food insecurity (FI) and its consequences in children with congenital heart disease (CHD).
• To highlight current interventions for screening and addressing FI in pediatric cardiology.
• To offer strategies for healthcare providers to engage in FI screening and intervention.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on food insecurity, child health, and congenital heart disease.
• Analysis of epidemiological data on FI prevalence and risk factors.
• Synthesis of current screening tools and intervention strategies in pediatric cardiology.

Main Results:

• FI is associated with poor health outcomes, including obesity, which increases long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
• Children with CHD face unique challenges exacerbating the negative impacts of FI.
• Current screening burdens often fall on general pediatricians, despite the critical role of nutrition in cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric cardiologists and subspecialists should play a more active role in screening for food insecurity.
• Integrating FI screening into routine pediatric cardiology care is feasible and crucial.
• Addressing FI is essential for improving cardiovascular health and overall well-being in children with CHD.