A recent study explores how exposure to green environments can influence the development, progression, and outcome of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), a condition involving multiple cardiometabolic diseases such as ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. The research, published in npj Urban Sustainability, suggests that living in greener areas may significantly affect the transition from healthy living to experiencing the first cardiometabolic disease (FCMD), then progressing to CMM, and ultimately to death.
The study, led by Linxi Tang and colleagues, used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as an indicator of greenness, with 454,777 participants involved. Over a median follow-up period of 12.1 years, researchers observed 5,889 cases of FCMD, 6,607 cases of CMM, and 25,666 deaths. They found that greenness was notably associated with transitions from healthy living to FCMD, FCMD to CMM, and FCMD to death.
The effects of greenness varied depending on the specific cardiometabolic diseases considered. The study suggests that greenness might play a protective role in the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of CMM, though further research is needed to fully understand these links.
The research highlights the growing importance of urban greening, not just for environmental sustainability but also for public health. It calls for further investigation into how green spaces in urban areas can be utilized to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, especially in rapidly urbanizing regions.
Urban Greening and Public Health
Urbanization is a growing trend worldwide, with over half of the global population now living in cities. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 68%. This shift presents challenges for ensuring access to green spaces, which are crucial for improving urban resilience, reducing pollution, and promoting social cohesion.
While research has shown that exposure to green spaces is linked to lower risks of cardiovascular, respiratory, and mental health issues, the specific impact of greenness on the progression of cardiometabolic diseases is still under study. The study aims to fill this gap by examining the role of greenness in the entire trajectory of CMM, from the onset of a single disease to its progression and ultimately death.
As urban areas continue to expand, the findings underscore the importance of urban greening as a strategy for improving public health, preventing chronic diseases, and enhancing overall quality of life.
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