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Is tree loss associated with cardiovascular-disease risk in the Women's Health Initiative? A natural experiment
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Is tree loss associated with cardiovascular-disease risk in the Women's Health Initiative? A natural experiment

Geoffrey H. Donovan, Yvonne L. Michael, Demetrios Gatziolis, Jeffrey P. Prestemon and Eric A. Whitsel
Health & place, v 36, pp 1-7
Nov 2015
PMID: 26335885

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease Lower respiratory Natural environment Pubic health
Data from the Women's Health Initiative were used to quantify the relationship between the loss of trees to an invasive forest pest—the emerald ash borer—and cardiovascular disease. We estimated a semi-parametric Cox proportional hazards model of time to cardiovascular disease, adjusting for confounders. We defined the incidence of cardiovascular disease as acute myocardial infarction requiring overnight hospitalization, silent MI determined from serial electrocardiograms, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or death from coronary heart disease. Women living in a county infested with emerald ash borer had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (HR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.20–1.31). •The spread of the emerald ash borer offers a unique opportunity to quantify the relationship between the natural environment and public health.•After controlling for confounders, women living in counties infested with emerald ash borer had a 25% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.•Trees may offer a significant protective effect for cardiovascular disease.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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