A new study reveals a significant increase in cardiovascular disease deaths among adults aged 25 to 64 in rural areas, highlighting a growing disparity compared to urban areas.
Presented at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Scientific Sessions and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study found a 21% rise in cardiovascular deaths in rural areas from 2010 to 2022, while urban areas saw a 9% decrease among those aged 65 and older.
The surge in deaths, particularly among younger adults, was most pronounced after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers suggest that a combination of worsening cardiometabolic risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar) and worsening socioeconomic conditions in rural areas may explain the trend.
The pandemic exacerbated these issues by disrupting healthcare access and increasing stress, further deepening rural-urban disparities.
Experts emphasize the need for targeted policy efforts to improve healthcare in rural areas, including expanding the rural healthcare workforce and addressing social determinants of health like poverty, education, and insurance coverage.
Cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are more prevalent in rural populations, along with higher rates of depression, substance use, and limited access to specialized care.
The study calls for further research and initiatives to address these disparities, stressing the importance of community-driven solutions and partnerships between academic centers and rural communities to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
