Study Links Social and Environmental Adversities to Increased Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

New research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that individuals living in areas with social and environmental adversities may face up to twice the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between social and environmental factors and their impact on cardiovascular health.

Led by Dr. Sarju Ganatra, a cardiologist and vice chair in the department of medicine for research at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts, the study is among the first to examine the combined effects of social and environmental factors on heart disease and stroke risk.

Environmental adversities assessed in the study included air and water pollution, hazardous or toxic sites, limited recreational parks, and proximity to high traffic roads, railways, or airports. Social vulnerabilities encompassed racial and ethnic minority status, socioeconomic indicators such as income, education, and employment levels, housing status, and access to internet and healthcare.

Using the Environmental Justice Index, which integrates data from various sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the researchers evaluated environmental disadvantages across U.S. census tracts.

Key findings from the analysis include:

• Individuals residing in the most environmentally vulnerable neighborhoods had a 1.6 times higher rate of blocked arteries and more than double the rate of stroke compared to those in the least vulnerable areas.
• Cardiovascular disease risk factors were markedly elevated in the most vulnerable areas, with twice the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, 1.8 times higher rates of chronic kidney disease, and 1.5 times higher incidence of high blood pressure and obesity.
• Approximately 30% of all U.S. residents aged 18-44, 21% of Black adults, and a majority of Hispanic adults lived in areas burdened by high environmental adversities.

Dr. Ganatra highlighted the intricate relationship between social and environmental factors, emphasizing their combined impact on health outcomes. He stressed the importance of addressing both sets of factors to mitigate heart disease and related health risks.

To counteract the effects of social and environmental disadvantages, researchers advocate for a comprehensive approach involving pollution reduction measures, policies addressing poverty, urban revitalization initiatives, high-quality education, job creation programs, affordable housing, and universal access to healthcare.

The study aims to empower healthcare professionals to educate patients about everyday environmental exposures and strategies to minimize health risks. By raising awareness and implementing targeted interventions, the healthcare community seeks to alleviate the burden of heart disease and stroke in vulnerable populations.