The impact of urban environment and physical activity on middle-aged and older adults’ hypertension

PDS 70: Green space, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 28, 2019, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Background and aims. There is some evidence that physical activity in urban green spaces reduces stress level and improve cardiovascular health. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between green spaces exposure, physical activity, residence distance from major roads, and the arterial hypertension in permanent Kaunas citizens. Methods. In this population-based study, we analysed data from 896 adult Kaunas city residents. We measured the surrounding greenness exposure level of each home address as NDVI, the residence distance to the nearest city park, and distance from major roads. Questionnaire information provided data on physical activity and other health indices. We used logistic regression models to assess associations as adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results. Doctor diagnosed hypertension was defined (blood pressure ≥140 or ≥90 mmHg) in 51.0% of total participants. The recommended physical activity in green areas (150 min per week) reported only 15.6% participants. The hypertension prevalence was higher among participants residing in low green exposure area (NDVI-300m≤median) and in a shorter distance (≤300 m) from a major road. We found increased OR for hypertension women below 65 living in low green exposure area as compared to those living in high green exposure area and ≥300 m from major roads, OR = 2.03 (95% CI 1.04-3.96). However, the highest hypertension risk was for men of 65 and older for those residing in low green exposure area and ≤300 m from major roads, OR = 2.19 (95% CI 1.09-4.40). Conclusions. Higher risk of arterial hypertension was associated with low green spaces exposure in a residential setting and a shorter distance to a major road. The findings highlight the crucial need to increase physical activity in green areas to enhance citizens’ health.