A recent study sheds light on the stark correlation between living conditions and cardiovascular health. Published online on March 27 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research highlights how individuals residing in regions grappling with social and environmental challenges face a heightened risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

A recent study sheds light on the stark correlation between living conditions and cardiovascular health. Published online on March 27 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research highlights how individuals residing in regions grappling with social and environmental challenges face a heightened risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

Led by Dr. Sumanth Khadke from Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts, the study delved into the combined impact of social disparities and environmental exposures on cardiovascular health. Utilizing data from the 2022 Environmental Justice Index, socio-environmental justice index, and environmental burden module, the researchers scrutinized census tracts to uncover patterns.

The findings unveiled a striking association between adverse living conditions and cardiovascular risks. In comparison to areas in quartile 1, those in quartile 4 of the Environmental Justice Index exhibited a substantially higher incidence of coronary artery disease (with a rate ratio [RR] of 1.684) and stroke (RR of 2.112). Moreover, quartile 4 surpassed quartile 1 in the environmental burden module, demonstrating significantly elevated rates of coronary artery disease (RR of 1.143) and stroke (RR of 1.118).

Beyond these cardiovascular ailments, the study also uncovered similar trends for other health conditions, including chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, lack of health insurance, inadequate sleep (less than seven hours per night), absence of leisure-time physical activity, and prolonged bouts of impaired mental and physical health over the past month.

These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy measures to address the social and environmental determinants of health disparities. As communities grapple with the profound impact of inequities on cardiovascular outcomes, concerted efforts are essential to mitigate risks and promote equitable access to health resources and opportunities