Neighborhoods with more green space may mean less heart disease

[G_j]

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/12/181205093718.htm

People who live in leafy, green neighborhoods may have a lower risk of developing heart disease and strokes, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.


In this study, the first of its kind, researchers from the University of Louisville investigated the impact of neighborhood greenspaces on individual-level markers of stress and cardiovascular disease risk.

Over five-years, blood and urine samples were collected from 408 people of varying ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic levels, then assessed for biomarkers of blood vessel injury and the risk of having cardiovascular disease. Risk was calculated using biomarkers measured from blood and urine samples. The participants were recruited from the University of Louisville's outpatient cardiology clinic and were largely at elevated risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.

The density of the greenspaces near the participants' residences were measured using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a tool that indicates levels of vegetation density created from satellite imagery collected by NASA and USGS. Air pollution levels were also assessed using particulate matter from the EPA and roadway exposure measurements.

..more..

[X_Digger]

1. And the award for 'correlation does not equal causation" goes to..

"Our study shows that living in a neighborhood dense with trees, bushes and other green vegetation may be good for the health of your heart and blood vessels," said Aruni Bhatnagar, Ph.D., lead study author and professor of medicine and director of the University of Louisville Diabetes and Obesity Center.

Looking at the study metrics, they didn't account for income. Folks who live in areas with more green space are likely of higher average income, with access to better health care.

I really hate quack science. Good science takes these things into account.

[exboyfil]

2. Also should be adjusted for exercise

I walk a heck of a lot more with all our bike trails especially ones away from busy roads than I would otherwise. I have never lived in an urban setting, but it seems like walking really sucks there (it is interesting when I visit one but the crowds, noise and the auto fumes on a daily basis would be hard to take).

[marybourg]

4. I think that's exactly why living in those neighborhoods

correlate with heart health. And I think that’s implied, if not expressly stated in the study/article. No one thinks that just looking at green leaves does the job.

[Siwsan]

3. I was just thinking the same thing

I live in a really nice, green, lots of trees neighborhood. It's not upper class - definitely in the middle-class suburbia range - but it is quiet and the properties are all well maintained. People have that chance to get outside, during warm weather, to mow, weed, trim, take walks or just enjoy their property. No doubt the air is cleaner and the stress levels are lower than in the more urban areas.