February is American Heart Month, a time to shine a spotlight on cardiovascular health, the leading cause of death in the U.S. From routine checkups to healthy lifestyle habits, much of heart health depends on daily choices and access to medical care. But one crucial factor is often overlooked: housing stability.

At Integrated Healthcare Systems (IHCS), we know that safe, stable housing is more than a roof—it’s a foundation for overall well-being. Our holistic approach combines healthcare services and housing support to help individuals reduce stress, manage chronic conditions, and protect their hearts. Here’s why housing matters for heart health—and how IHCS steps in to make a difference.

How Housing Stability Impacts Heart Health

Research shows that unstable or inadequate housing increases cardiovascular risk. People facing frequent moves, homelessness, or poor living conditions experience chronic stress, which can raise blood pressure, disrupt sleep, and affect healthy eating habits. Stress also contributes to unhealthy coping behaviors like smoking or alcohol use, which further increase the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.

Substandard housing—damp apartments, exposure to pollutants, or homes without proper heating or cooling—can also directly affect heart health. Studies link poor-quality housing to higher rates of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In short, where and how you live has a direct impact on your heart.

The Neighborhood Connection

It’s not just the house itself—the surrounding community matters, too. Living in neighborhoods with limited access to healthy food, few safe spaces for exercise, or high levels of poverty and unemployment can increase cardiovascular risk. On the other hand, walkable streets, green spaces, and access to supportive services are linked to lower rates of heart disease and better overall health outcomes.

IHCS addresses this by focusing on both the individual and their environment, providing integrated solutions that improve access to care and create healthier living conditions.

How IHCS Supports Heart Health Through Housing

At IHCS, we believe that healthcare and housing are inseparable when it comes to protecting heart health. Here’s how our programs make a difference:

1. Stable Housing Programs

• IHCS provides permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

• Our housing programs give residents a safe, consistent place to live, which reduces stress and improves the ability to maintain healthy routines.

• Residents gain access to supportive services such as case management, financial counseling, and community resources that promote overall well-being.

2. Integrated Healthcare Services

• Onsite primary care, chronic disease management, and preventive screenings help residents manage heart health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

• Behavioral and mental health services address stress, anxiety, and depression—key factors that can worsen heart disease.

• Case managers coordinate care, ensure medication adherence, and help schedule regular checkups, so no one falls through the cracks.

3. Community Support and Education

• IHCS empowers residents with health education workshops and heart-healthy lifestyle programs, covering topics like nutrition, physical activity, and smoking cessation.

• Our team connects residents to local resources, ensuring they have access to healthy food, safe recreational spaces, and social support networks.

4. Addressing Social Determinants of Health

• Beyond housing, IHCS helps residents navigate employment assistance, transportation, and social services, removing barriers that can prevent access to care.

• By tackling these underlying factors, we improve not just heart health, but overall quality of life.

Why This Matters During American Heart Month

Heart disease prevention isn’t only about exercise or diet—it’s also about stability, safety, and access to care. By combining housing support with integrated healthcare, IHCS helps individuals reduce stress, improve chronic disease management, and build healthier futures.

When someone has a safe home and access to the healthcare they need, they are more likely to:

• Take medications consistently

• Attend regular checkups

• Eat nutritious meals

• Reduce risky behaviors like smoking or substance use

• Maintain better mental health

All of these factors add up to stronger hearts and healthier communities.

Heart Health Goes Beyond The Clinic

This American Heart Month, remember that heart health goes beyond the clinic. Safe, stable housing is a critical part of preventing cardiovascular disease—and at IHCS, we’re committed to providing both housing and healthcare to those who need it most.

By addressing housing insecurity alongside medical care, IHCS helps reduce stress, manage chronic conditions, and improve long-term health outcomes. Together, a healthy home and access to healthcare create the strongest foundation for a healthy heart.