Built Environments and Cardiovascular Health: REVIEW AND IMPLICATIONS.

Manoj Chandrabose; Nicolette R den Braver; Neville Owen; Takemi Sugiyama; Nyssa Hadgraft
Abstract
This review presents a general overview of the state of evidence on the relationships between neighborhood built environments and cardiovascular health outcomes among adults. We also summarize relevant literature on the associations of built environments with active living behaviors (physical activity [PA] and sedentary behavior), as they are considered as key behavioral pathways.We identified recently published systematic reviews assessing associations of built environment attributes with cardiovascular health outcomes or active living behaviors. We summarized findings of the key systematic reviews and presented findings of pertinent empirical studies, where appropriate.Increasing evidence suggests that living in a place supportive of engaging in PA for transportation (eg, walkability features) and recreation (eg, parks) can be protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Places conducive to higher levels of sedentary travel (ie, prolonged sitting in cars) may have adverse effects on cardiovascular health. The built environment of where people live can affect how active they are and subsequently their cardiovascular health. Clinical professionals are encouraged to consider the built environment features of where their patients live in counseling, as this may assist them to understand potential opportunities or barriers to active living and to propose a suitable CVD prevention strategy.
Journal JOURNAL OF CARDIOPULMONARY REHABILITATION AND PREVENTION
ISSN 1932-751X
Published 01 Nov 2022
Volume 42
Issue 6
Pages 416 422 416-422
DOI 10.1097/HCR.0000000000000752
Type Review | Journal Article | Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Sponsorship