New Data Show Redlining Linked to Worse Cardiovascular Health for Veterans

A new research study published by the JAMA Network finds links between the practice of redlining and worse cardiovascular health among U.S. veterans. The study was conducted using data from the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), census data, and the medical records of patients served by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Patients living in areas with a higher HOLC grade were more likely to be white and more likely to have lower rates of cardiovascular risk factors, including a history of smoking, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. In formerly redlined neighborhoods, however, patients were more likely to have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Read an article about the research here, and access the study here.