A recent study published in Circulation reveals that living near green and blue spaces significantly reduces the risk of coronary artery calcification (CAC), an early marker of cardiovascular disease, particularly among Black individuals and those in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The research, conducted by Northwestern University, analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) project, focusing on middle-aged adults in Birmingham, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Oakland.
The study found that Black participants with the highest accessibility to rivers had 32% lower odds of developing CAC compared to those with the least access. Similarly, Black individuals with greater access to green spaces had up to 35% lower odds of calcification.
For every 10% increase in green space, the odds of having CAC decreased by 15% on average. These findings underscore the potential health benefits of urban green and blue spaces, particularly for underserved populations at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
The study calls for environmental policies to enhance the accessibility and quality of residential blue and green spaces. By promoting such infrastructure, policymakers can address racial and neighborhood-related health disparities, ultimately improving public health outcomes for minority communities.
