scholarly journals Ecological Associations Between Inclusionary Zoning Policies and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prevalence: An Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antwan Jones ◽  
Gregory D. Squires ◽  
Carolynn Nixon
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Cardiovascular Outcomes ◽  
Inclusionary Zoning ◽  
Municipal Level

Background: Providing an adequate supply of affordable housing has become an increasingly difficult challenge for US cities. Inclusionary zoning (IZ) policies have become an increasingly popular response. Substantial research has demonstrated the health benefits of stable, affordable housing. There is anecdotal but not systematic evidence that IZ policies may be associated with some health benefits of affordable housing. Methods: We rely on data from the 2017 500 Cities Project, the 2016 to 2017 Lincoln Institute for Land Policy survey, and the 2011 to 2015 American Community Survey. We perform bivariate tests and cluster ordinary least squares regression to examine associations at the municipal level between having inclusionary zoning (IZ) policies, the attributes of those policies, and the prevalence of several cardiovascular outcomes. Results: Cardiovascular outcomes and socioeconomic characteristics were uniformly better in cities with IZ policies. IZ policies were associated with lower blood pressure (95% CI, −0.50 to −0.13), cholesterol (CI, −0.89 to −0.31), and blood pressure medication (CI, −0.57 to −0.03) prevalence. Some characteristics of IZ programs such as being mandatory, prioritizing rental development, and allocating a larger share of affordable housing are associated with cardiovascular risk prevalence. Conclusions: Characteristics of IZ programs that ultimately benefit low-income residents are associated with favorable municipal-level cardiovascular health. Further, IZ policies could potentially address complex health challenges among economically vulnerable households.

scholarly journals Normal and reference values for cardiovascular magnetic resonance-based pulse wave velocity in the middle-aged general population

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Max J. van Hout ◽  
Ilona A. Dekkers ◽  
Jos J. Westenberg ◽  
Martin J. Schalij ◽  
Ralph L. Widya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
General Population ◽  
Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Abstract Background Aortic stiffness, assessed through pulse wave velocity (PWV), is an independent predictor for cardiovascular disease risk. However, the scarce availability of normal and reference values for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) based PWV is limiting clinical implementation. The aim of this study was to determine normal and reference values for CMR assessed PWV in the general population. Methods From the 2,484 participants of the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) study that have available CMR-PWV data, 1,394 participants free from cardiovasculard disease, smokers or treatment for diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidaemia were selected (45–65 years, 51% female). Participants were divided into sex, age and blood pressure (BP) subgroups. Normal values were specified for participants with a BP < 130/80 mmHg and reference values for elevated BP subgroups (≥ 130/80 and < 140/90 mmHg; and ≥ 140/90 mmHg). Differences between groups were tested with independent samples t-test or ANOVA. Due to an oversampling of obese individuals in this study, PWV values are based on a weighted analysis making them representative of the general population. Results Normal mean PWV was 6.0 m/s [95% CI 5.8–6.1]. PWV increased with advancing age and BP categories (both p < 0.001). There was no difference between sex in normal PWV, however in the BP > 140/90 mmHg women had a higher PWV (p = 0.005). The interpercentile ranges were smaller for participants < 55 years old compared to participants ≥ 55 years, indicating an increasing variability of PWV with age. PWV upper limits were particularly elevated in participants ≥ 55 years old in the high blood pressure subgroups. Conclusion This study provides normal and reference values for CMR-assessed PWV per sex, age and blood pressure category in the general population.

scholarly journals Metabolic Syndrome Features and Excess Weight Were Inversely Associated with Nut Consumption after 1-Year Follow-Up in the PREDIMED-Plus Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 150 (12) ◽  
pp. 3161-3170
Author(s):  
Alicia Julibert ◽  
Maria del Mar Bibiloni ◽  
Laura Gallardo-Alfaro ◽  
Manuela Abbate ◽  
Miguel Á Martínez-González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Virgin Olive Oil ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Excess Weight ◽  
Study Cohort

ABSTRACT Background High nut consumption has been previously associated with decreased prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) regardless of race and dietary patterns. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess whether changes in nut consumption over a 1-y follow-up are associated with changes in features of MetS in a middle-aged and older Spanish population at high cardiovascular disease risk. Methods This prospective 1-y follow-up cohort study, conducted in the framework of the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED)-Plus randomized trial, included 5800 men and women (55–75 y old) with overweight/obesity [BMI (in kg/m2) ≥27 and &lt;40] and MetS. Nut consumption (almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and other nuts) was assessed using data from a validated FFQ. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to 1 y in features of MetS [waist circumference (WC), glycemia, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure] and excess weight (body weight and BMI) according to tertiles of change in nut consumption. Secondary outcomes included changes in dietary and lifestyle characteristics. A generalized linear model was used to compare 1-y changes in features of MetS, weight, dietary intakes, and lifestyle characteristics across tertiles of change in nut consumption. Results As nut consumption increased, between each tertile there was a significant decrease in WC, TG, systolic blood pressure, weight, and BMI (P &lt; 0.05), and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (only in women, P = 0.044). The interaction effect between time and group was significant for total energy intake (P &lt; 0.001), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) (P &lt; 0.001), and nut consumption (P &lt; 0.001). Across tertiles of increasing nut consumption there was a significant increase in extra virgin olive oil intake and adherence to the MedDiet; change in energy intake, on the other hand, was inversely related to consumption of nuts. Conclusions Features of MetS and excess weight were inversely associated with nut consumption after a 1-y follow-up in the PREDIMED-Plus study cohort. This trial was registered at isrctn.com as ISRCTN89898870.

scholarly journals Knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Sierra Leone: a qualitative study of patients’ and community leaders’ perceptions

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e038523
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Ignatowicz ◽  
Maria Lisa Odland ◽  
Tahir Bockarie ◽  
Haja Wurie ◽  
Rashid Ansumana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors ◽  
Community Leaders ◽  
Major Barrier

ObjectivesPrevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF) is increasing, especially in low-income countries. In Sierra Leone, there are no previous studies on the knowledge and the awareness of these conditions in the community. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and understanding of CVDRF, as well as the perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to accessing care for these conditions, among patients and community leaders in Sierra Leone.DesignQualitative study employing semistructured interviews and focus group discussions.SettingUrban and rural Bo District, Sierra Leone.ParticipantsInterviews with a purposive sample of 37 patients and two focus groups with six to nine community leaders.ResultsWhile participants possessed general knowledge of their conditions, the level and complexity of this knowledge varied widely. There were clear gaps in knowledge regarding the coexistence of CVDRF and their consequences, as well as the link between behavioural factors and CVDRF. An overarching theme from the data was the need to create an understanding and awareness of CVDRF in the community in order to prevent and improve management of these conditions. Cost was also seen as a major barrier to accessing care for CVDRFs.ConclusionsThe knowledge gaps identified in this study highlight the need to design strategies and interventions that improve knowledge and recognition of CVDRF in the community. Interventions should specifically consider how to develop and enhance awareness about CVDRF and their consequences. They should also consider how patients seek help and where they access it.

scholarly journals Breastfeeding in the First Days of Life Is Associated With Lower Blood Pressure at 3 Years of Age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kozeta Miliku ◽  
Theo J. Moraes ◽  
Allan B. Becker ◽  
Piushkumar J. Mandhane ◽  
Malcolm R. Sears ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Breast Milk ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Maternal Body Mass Index ◽  
Lower Blood Pressure ◽  
Lower Blood ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Background Breastfeeding in infancy is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk in adulthood; however, the amount of breastfeeding required to achieve this benefit is unknown. Methods and Results In the CHILD (Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development) Cohort Study, we analyzed 2382 children with complete data on early life feeding and blood pressure. Infant feeding was documented from hospital records in the first few days of life and reported by mothers throughout infancy. Blood pressure was measured at 3 years of age. Analyses controlled for birth weight, gestational age, socioeconomic status, maternal body mass index, and other potential confounders. We found that nearly all children (2333/2382; 97.9%) were ever breastfed, of whom 98 (4.2%) only briefly received breast milk during their birth hospitalization (“early limited breastfeeding”). At 3 years of age, blood pressure was higher in children who were never breastfed (mean systolic/diastolic 103/60 mm Hg) compared with those who were ever breastfed (99/58 mm Hg), including those who received only early limited breastfeeding (99/57 mm Hg). These differences in systolic blood pressure persisted in adjusted models (ever breastfed: −3.47 mm Hg, 95% CI, −6.14 to −0.80; early limited breastfeeding: −4.24 mm Hg, 95% CI, −7.45 to −1.04). Among breastfed children, there was no significant dose‐response association according to the duration or exclusivity of breastfeeding. Associations were not mediated by child body mass index. Conclusions Although the benefits of sustained and exclusive breastfeeding are indisputable, this study indicates any breastfeeding, regardless of duration or exclusivity, is associated with lower blood pressure at 3 years of age. Further research examining the bioactive components of early breast milk, underlying mechanisms, and long‐term associations is warranted.

Abstract TMP56: Prediction of Primary Stroke: A Secondary Analysis of the SPRINT Trial

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam H de Havenon ◽  
Eric Goldstein ◽  
Stephanie Lyden ◽  
Jennifer Majersik
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Blood Pressure Control ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Blood Pressure Reduction ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of

Background: The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial enrolled patients aged 50 or older with at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor, but free of prior symptomatic stroke. Patients were assigned to two blood pressure reduction goals (<140 versus 120 mm Hg). There was not a significant difference in the rate of stroke, making this an ideal cohort to refine risk prediction of primary stroke, which is understudied in patients with adequate blood pressure control and a rigorously adjudicated outcome of stroke. Methods: The primary outcome is ischemic stroke. We fit Cox models to the primary outcome and evaluated all baseline demographic variables to determine which would be most predictive of stroke, which we then used to create a prediction score. Results: We included 9,361 patients with a mean (SD) age of 67.9 (9.4) years and 171 (1.8%) patients met the primary outcome of stroke. For our prediction model, we gave one point each for history of TIA, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, or diabetes. Patients with 2 or more points were collapsed, making three possible scores of 0, 1, and 2, which had rates of stroke of 1.5% (117/8042), 3.2% (30/933), and 6.2% (24/386) (p<0.001). Compared to a score of 0, the hazard ratios for stroke of score 1 and 2 were 2.3 (95% CI, 1.6-3.5) and 4.6 (95% CI, 2.9-7.1) (both p<0.001) (Figure 1). Conclusion: A simple scoring system can improve prediction of ischemic stroke from 1.8% to 6.2% in patients with no prior history of stroke and excellent blood pressure control. This information could be used to improve patient selection for clinical trials or for identifying patients for more aggressive primary prevention strategies.

Differential DNA Methylation and Cardiometabolic Risk in African American Mother-Adolescent Dyads

2021 ◽  
pp. 109980042110390
Author(s):  
Amanda Elswick Gentry ◽  
Jo Robins ◽  
Mat Makowski ◽  
Wendy Kliewer
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
African American ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cardiometabolic Risk ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Background: Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects African Americans as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Among African Americans, compared to other racial groups, cardiovascular disease onset occurs at an earlier age due to a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests that heritable epigenetic processes are related to increased cardiovascular disease risk, but this is largely unexplored in adolescents or across generations. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive pilot study in low-income African American mother-adolescent dyads, we examined associations between DNA methylation and the cardiometabolic indicators of body mass index, waist circumference, and insulin resistance. Results: Four adjacent cytosine and guanine nucleotides (CpG) sites were significantly differentially methylated and associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), 62 with waist circumference, and none to insulin resistance in models for both mothers and adolescents. Conclusion: Further study of the relations among psychological and environmental stressors, indicators of cardiovascular disease, risk, and epigenetic factors will improve understanding of cardiovascular disease risk so that preventive measures can be instituted earlier and more effectively. To our knowledge this work is the first to examine DNA methylation and cardiometabolic risk outcomes in mother-adolescent dyads.

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