Homeless adults are two-to-four times more likely to have hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, at younger ages, than either the general population or low-income adults with stable housing. Among the factors that increase their risk are poor diet and excessive use of alcohol, nicotine and other drugs that exacerbate elevated blood pressure and damage the heart. Uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg) can lead to heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure.
Categories:
Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Disease, Clinical Practice