The Impact of Federal and State Laws on Cardiovascular Risk.

Abstract

<h4>Purpose of review</h4>To summarize recent studies examining the impact of federal and state laws on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.<h4>Recent findings</h4>We identified 38 relevant studies that were published in the past five years. Results of the narrative review indicate that laws related to structural racism, education, income, healthcare, the food environment, food insecurity, the built environment, transportation, air pollution, tobacco, alcohol, diet, and physical activity may impact CVD risk. Results were most consistent among studies examining laws related to air pollution, tobacco, and alcohol, and least consistent among studies examining laws related to the food environment and food insecurity. Federal and state laws have the potential to shape CVD risk by impacting the social, environmental, and behavioral determinants of health.