Cardiovascular Disease in the Homeless Population: A Comprehensive Risk Assessment

Author(s): Samhita Korukonda, Pranitha Kovuri, MD, Ramya Shree Thondapuri, MBBS, FRM

In comparison with other demographic groups globally, the homeless population has been disproportionately impacted by healthcare disparities. These disparities, compounded by a myriad of social and biological risk factors, have led to an alarmingly high burden of disease and mortality. While communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia have traditionally been the focus of healthcare research in homeless populations, there remains a significant gap in the exploration of chronic diseases [1]. Notably, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as the second leading cause of mortality among homeless individuals aged 45 and older. Despite this, research on cardiacspecific interventions for the homeless population remains scant, with a recent systematic review underscoring the absence of interventional studies in this area [2,3].