Living in a formerly redlined neighborhood may pose a higher risk for major adverse cardiovascular events, such as strokes or heart attacks, despite the outlawing of this racist lending practice over 50 years ago, as suggested by a recent study published in JAMA Network Open.
Lingering Effects of Redlining
The study’s findings shed light on the ongoing influence of redlining, a discriminatory practice from the 1930s that involved creating color-coded maps to assess mortgage-lending risks based on neighborhood characteristics. These practices resulted in the marginalization of certain communities and deepened racial segregation, as neighborhoods with a higher Black population were often marked in red.
Impact on Health and Well-being
Decades later, the consequences persist. Formerly redlined neighborhoods are still grappling with poorer health outcomes, increased poverty rates, and lower home values. Moreover, these neighborhoods continue to be home to a disproportionate number of Black residents and individuals from other marginalized communities. It is crucial to note that studies have also revealed the existence of modern-day redlining.
Investigating Cardiovascular Risks
To assess the potential connection between redlining and adverse cardiovascular events, researchers delved into health data from tens of thousands of veterans associated with hospital systems in Ohio and Texas. The objective was to explore whether there is a correlation between residing in redlined neighborhoods and increased cardiovascular risks.
The disturbing link found between redlining and cardiovascular events highlights the lasting impact of this unjust practice on the health and well-being of marginalized communities. It underscores the urgent need to address the deeply rooted structural inequalities that persist in our society today.
Examining the Link Between Neighborhood Redlining and Heart Health Outcomes
In a retrospective cohort study, researchers analyzed data from nearly 80,000 veteran patients who received care for pre-existing cardiovascular disease from 2016 to 2019. The study aimed to explore the association between patients’ self-reported address data and redlining maps from the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation.
After a follow-up period of approximately four years, the researchers assessed whether the patients had experienced any major adverse cardiovascular events. The findings revealed that individuals living in neighborhoods with a “D” grade, indicating poor investment and formerly redlined areas, faced a 14% higher risk of negative heart health outcomes. Additionally, they had a 13% higher hazard of death from all causes compared to those residing in wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods graded “A.”
It is worth noting that even after adjusting for social vulnerability and comorbidity burden, the increased risk persisted and remained statistically significant. This study thus contributes to the limited existing research linking neighborhood redlining to cardiovascular outcomes.
Moving forward, further investigations should focus on better understanding the underlying causes behind the observed intergenerational inequities in cardiovascular health. By identifying these factors, targeted interventions can be developed to improve the overall well-being of individuals across all communities.
More from the archives (December 2022): ‘This is classic redlining’: A nonprofit ends its relationship with KeyBank over allegations of failing Black home buyers
