Study Supports Inner Living Is Bad For The Heart
A recent study[1] published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology sites inner-city living in high-income countries increases the risk for heart disease.
Though having a low socioeconomic status has been associated with heart disease evidence now points to lack of access to resources as a reason. The lack of quality supermarkets, limited green space, and higher rates of violent crime promote and unhealthy sedentary lifestyle.
The combination results in unhealthy diets lacking nutrient dense fresh fruits and vegetables, low physical activity due to a lack of adequate recreational green spaces, and sedentary time spent indoors to avoid community violence.
The unhealthy environment these conditions promote contribute to escapism through substance abuse, and the need to medicate to cope with the stressful environment. These reactions to the environment may contribute to “high rates of comorbid mental illness in disadvantaged urban populations.”
People of a low economic status also have limited access to “to both primary preventive and acute in-hospital cardiovascular care.” Financial disincentives are likely for the poorer care people of low economic status receive.
Tags: heart disease
