Where Women Live May Directly Impact Their Heart Health, Study Finds
Summary
A long-term study found that where a woman lives can affect her heart health as much as factors like cholesterol or blood pressure. Women living in poorer neighborhoods showed worse heart health over 20 years, especially before menopause, even when income and education were considered.Key Facts
- The study tracked about 1,200 women in eastern Massachusetts for over 20 years, from pregnancy to midlife.
- Researchers used a heart health score based on eight factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, diet, and exercise.
- Women in the most socially vulnerable neighborhoods had heart health scores 6 to 10 points lower than those in better areas.
- Heart health declined faster for women in disadvantaged neighborhoods, particularly before menopause.
- Lower income, less education, and identifying as non-Hispanic Black were linked to lower heart health scores.
- The link between neighborhood conditions and heart health remained even after adjusting for income and education.
- The study suggests improving community resources like healthy food, safe exercise spaces, and quality health care might help reduce heart health disparities.
- The research is based on data from Project Viva, which has been following women since the early 2000s.
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