Adherence
Urban design that promotes physical activity and provides green space reduces cardiovascular mortality and risk factors, whereas urban environments that hinder activity and lack green space increase risk.
Prioritize living in or visiting areas with significant tree canopy and green space. If you live in a dense urban area, seek out parks and green corridors. These spaces not only encourage physical activity but also mitigate heat stress and air pollution, directly lowering cardiovascular risk.
The degree of 'greening' or the amount of green space in urban areas has been correlated with quality of life and health outcomes... Across Canadian cities, mortality is 8%-12% lower among residents of the greenest neighbourhoods.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple epidemiological studies (Canadian cities, Great Britain) and mechanistic understanding of stress reduction and activity facilitation.
Source
Toward a Cardio-Environmental Risk Model: Environmental Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease
François Reeves et al. · Canadian Journal of Cardiology · 2023
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →