| Title: | Urban park features and cardiovascular disease: a prospective analysis of 377,817 UK biobank participants |
| Journal: | Environment International |
| Published: | 12 Nov 2025 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41242189/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2025.109913 |
Publication 18944
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Greenspace benefits for cardiovascular disease (CVD) may depend more on quality than proximity, but feature-specific evidence is limited.</p>
METHODS: We linked objectively mapped park features to 377,817 urban UK Biobank participants and followed incident CVD (46,474 events) over a median 14.1 years. Network-based walk-distance catchments (400/800/1,600 m) were delineated for each home. We created an "any park" present indicator and feature-specific park indicators (e.g. tree canopy, water, cafes, toilets, attractions, sports) at each distance. Cox proportional hazards mixed-effects models adjusted for sociodemographic covariates, area deprivation, ambient natural landcover, and geographical clustering. Effect modification by sex, area-level deprivation, and age group (<65/≥65) was examined.</p>
RESULTS: "Any park" was not associated with CVD, whereas feature-specific models indicated modest protection (≈3-6 % lower hazards). Tree canopy showed the strongest, distance-stable pattern with clearest support for ≥50 % at 800 m (HR 0.941, 95 % CI 0.912-0.992). Water features were protective at 400 m (HR 0.946, 95 % CI 0.907-0.986). Cafes were protective at 800 m (HR 0.971, 95 % CI 0.945-0.999), and 2+ public attractions at 1,600 m (HR 0.977, 95 % CI 0.957-0.997). Sports facilities at 800 m were associated with higher risk (HR 1.028, 95 % CI 1.004-1.057). Effect modification was limited: cafes at 800 m were more protective in high-deprivation areas; ≥50 % canopy at 1,600 m were more protective in women.</p>
CONCLUSIONS: What's inside parks matters more than proximity. Higher tree canopy and nearby blue features appear broadly protective, while strategically placed amenities may support engagement.</p>
7 Authors
- Fiona Caryl
- Jonathan R Olsen
- Thomas Astell-Burt
- Xiaoqi Feng
- Natalie Nicholls
- Jill Pell
- Richard Mitchell
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 73613 | Green space qualities and health outcomes in the general population |
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