Social Factors Highlight Rural-Urban Cardiovascular Health Divide
A recent NIH-funded study has underscored significant disparities in cardiovascular health between adults residing in rural versus urban areas, shedding light on the social factors underpinning these differences. The research reveals that individuals in rural communities face higher incidences of heart disease and associated risk factors compared to their urban counterparts. Specifically, adults in rural locales exhibit a 7% prevalence of heart disease in contrast to 4% in urban settings, and they are more likely to experience high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. These health challenges are particularly acute among young adults aged 20 to 39.