Highlights of the statement:

• American Heart Association’s new policy statement addresses the impact of urban delivery systems – systems that provide energy, mobility, housing, green infrastructure, water and waste management – on the cardiovascular and metabolic health of city dwellers nationwide. are doing.
• The statement cites innovative urban spatial planning and infrastructure upgrades as key strategies to improve the heart health of growing urban populations.
• The association is an advocate for urban evolution that engages stakeholders such as healthcare, urban planning, environmental engineering, and public policy advocacy to ensure heart health and sustainability are fundamental to urban design and operations. supports collaborative and interdisciplinary strategies.

DALLAS, March 4, 2024 – The prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases, a leading cause of illness and death in urban areas, can be significantly influenced by the spatial design of cities and their infrastructure and food supply systems. there is. A new policy statement from the American Heart Association calls for public policy on collaborative, multidisciplinary strategies to ensure these urban systems are not only beneficial for heart health, but also for their ecological and economic vitality. Recommendations are outlined. This statement is today Circulationthe Society’s flagship peer-reviewed scientific journal.

This policy statement encourages health policy research, urban health impact assessments, and educational support that recognizes the importance of urban spatial planning and the design of delivery systems to support heart health.

“As the world’s urban population grows, predicted to reach more than two-thirds of humanity by 2050, we must adapt our cities to heart-healthy and sustainable living. “No,” said Dr. Sanjay Rajagopalan, an American Heart Association volunteer. She was Director and Professor of the Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and Chair of the Policy Statement Development Group.

The policy guidance outlines a common commitment to:

Comprehensive urban spatial planning – Create compact and inclusive urban spaces, reduce dependence on cars, promote active lifestyles, and promote equitable access to health care and other essential services.

Supply-side breakthrough innovation – A shift to clean energy sources, sustainable food systems, electric vehicles, and resource-efficient construction to reduce our environmental footprint and promote heart health.

Engagement and equity – Mobilize coalitions and networks to promote sustainable and equitable urban redevelopment.

Health sector partners – Collaborate with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations to promote sustainable practices such as reducing emissions and waste.

Policy integration – Adopt a ‘health in all policies’ approach to ensure that health impacts are at the center of all public policy decisions in ways that improve population health and health equity.

“This policy statement serves as a blueprint for creating sustainable urban environments that promote heart and brain health,” said writing group vice chair Anu Ramaswamy, MD, American Heart Association Volunteer, Indian Research. said Professor, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University. International and Regional Studies, and High Meadows Environmental Research Institute.

This policy statement was prepared by a volunteer writing group on behalf of the American Heart Association Advocacy Coordinating Committee. American Heart Association policy statements position the association on issues affecting cardiovascular health and mortality, guide our advocacy efforts at all levels of government, and enable us to support the important work of others. policy makers, medical personnel, medical professionals, researchers, the media and the public.

Additional co-authors and writing group members are Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar; Dr. Robert D. Brook, FAHA. Mark Fenton, Mississippi State. Dr. Christopher Gardner, FAHA. Dr. Loni Neff; Dr. Armistead G. Russell; Dr. Karen C. Seto; Dr. Laurie P. Wissel, FAHA. On behalf of the American Heart Association Hypertension Council. Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health. Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease; Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Adolescent Heart Health. Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia.

The association is primarily funded by individuals. Foundations and corporations (including pharmaceuticals, device manufacturers, and other companies) also make contributions, which help fund specific programs and events for the association. The Society has strict policies in place to ensure that these relationships do not influence scientific content. Revenues from pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, device manufacturers, health insurance companies, and the association’s overall financial information can be found here.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association works tirelessly to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with thousands of organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024, our 100th anniversary, we celebrate our rich 100 years of history and achievements. As we move into her second century of bold discoveries and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. heart.org, Facebook, X Or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Media inquiries and AHA/ASA expert opinion: 214-706-1173

Julie Thomm: julie.thomm@heart.org

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