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Impacts of Urban Green on Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Alessandro Bianconi

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Giulia Longo

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Angela Andrea Coa

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Matteo Fiore

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Davide Gori

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality globally. In particular, ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) and cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs) represent the main drivers of CVD-related deaths. Many literature examples have assessed the association between CVD risk factors and urban greenness. Urban green (UG) may positively affect physical activity, reduce air and noise pollution, and mitigate the heat island effect, which are known risk factors for CVD morbidity. This systematic review aims to assess the effects of urban green spaces on CVD morbidity and mortality. Peer-reviewed research articles with a quantitative association between urban green exposure variables and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes were included. Meta-analyses were conducted for each outcome evaluated in at least three comparable studies. Most of the included studies’ results highlighted an inverse correlation between exposure to UG and CVD outcomes. Gender differences were found in four studies, with a protective effect of UG only statistically significant in men. Three meta-analyses were performed, showing an overall protective effect of UG on CVD mortality (HR (95% CI) = 0.94 (0.91, 0.97)), IHD mortality (HR (95% CI) = 0.96 (0.93, 0.99)), and CBVD mortality (HR (95% CI) = 0.96 (0.94, 0.97)). The results of this systematic review suggest that exposure to UG may represent a protective factor for CVDs.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Bianconi & Giulia Longo & Angela Andrea Coa & Matteo Fiore & Davide Gori, 2023. "Impacts of Urban Green on Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:11:p:5966-:d:1157058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Viniece Jennings & Omoshalewa Bamkole, 2019. "The Relationship between Social Cohesion and Urban Green Space: An Avenue for Health Promotion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Hsiao-Yun Lee & Chih-Da Wu & Yi-Tsai Chang & Yinq-Rong Chern & Shih-Chun Candice Lung & Huey-Jen Su & Wen-Chi Pan, 2020. "Association between Surrounding Greenness and Mortality: An Ecological Study in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-10, June.
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