New research presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) 2024 Scientific Sessions has uncovered compelling evidence linking both historical redlining and contemporary structural racism to decreased life expectancy, particularly among minority populations.
Dr. Leonard Egede, professor and chair of medicine at the University at Buffalo, led the groundbreaking study examining how past discriminatory practices continue to shape present-day health outcomes. The research combined historical redlining data with contemporary neighborhood-level social risk factors to assess their impact on life expectancy.
Impact of Historical and Contemporary Racism
The study utilized two distinct measures: historical structural racism (based on redlining maps) and contemporary racism indicators that examine current neighborhood-level practices. "Even though we look at redlining as historic, they still have impact today," explains Dr. Egede. "There are still things happening today that have an impact on how people actually live and function, but most importantly, its impact on mortality."
Cardiovascular Health and Environmental Factors
The research highlights the intricate relationship between cardiovascular health and environmental conditions. "Cardiovascular risk is tied to your environment," Dr. Egede emphasizes. "It's not just about disease being a function of both biology and clinical factors, but also your built environment and where you live has a huge impact."
This connection is particularly evident in health disparities affecting African American communities. For instance, African American men face higher rates of hypertension and poorer cardiovascular outcomes, which the study suggests are largely driven by structural and environmental factors.
Policy Implications and Future Directions
The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive policy reforms across multiple sectors. Dr. Egede advocates for targeted interventions in housing, transportation, food access, employment, and education. "We can't ignore the past. We actually have to account for the past, but a lot of these things are tied to policy," he states.
The research team emphasizes that addressing underlying poverty and improving neighborhood resource allocation are crucial steps toward reducing these health disparities. Understanding these pathways is essential for developing effective interventions that can help improve life expectancy and overall health outcomes in affected communities.
