London - We all know good neighbours make good friends – but did you know they could also cut your chance of a heart attack?
A study suggests that living in a friendly area can be good for your health.
Scientists have long known that problems where you live, such as lots of fast food chains, pollution, violence or drug use, can make cardiovascular trouble more likely.
The new research, by the University of Michigan, tracked the heart health of more than 5 000 healthy US adults with an average age of 70 for four years from 2006.
Participants were first asked to rate their neighbourhood out of seven on a range of issues, including: whether they felt a part of the local area; if their neighbours would help them with a difficulty; whether they trusted most people; and how friendly the area was.
During the study, 148 of 5 276 participants had a heart attack. Analysis of the results showed that living in a more friendly neighbourhood could be associated with a 22 percent reduced risk of having an attack.
The researchers took into account factors such as age, income, education, mental health and lifestyle as well as weight and underlying health issues including diabetes and high blood pressure.
They say their findings echo studies that have found a link between good neighbourhoods and lower risk of strokes and heart disease. The team said feeling comfortable in an area could make people more secure.
Researcher Eric Kim, of the university’s department of psychology, said: “Perceived neighbourhood social cohesion could be a type of social support.”
He also suggested that tightly knit local communities may help to reinforce good behaviours, encouraging people to live more healthily. - Daily Mail