DALLAS, Nov. 11, 2024 -- Cardiovascular disease deaths increased by about 21% for adults ages 25-64 living in rural areas between 2010 and 2022, however, the rate declined by 9% for adults ages 65 or older living in urban areas, according to a study to be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024, and simultaneously published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The meeting, Nov. 16-18, 2024 in Chicago, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science.
Using data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's WONDER database, researchers analyzed national death data for more than 11 million adults from 2010-2022. The study investigated the cardiovascular death rates for people living in rural vs. urban (large metropolitan) areas of the U.S. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, large metropolitan areas are defined as those with a population of more than 1 million people; small/medium metro areas as those with 250,000 - 999,999 people; and rural areas as those that are near cities with less than 50,000 people or not near any major metropolitan area.
"Previous research has demonstrated disparities in cardiovascular mortality between rural and urban Americans, with, historically, more people in rural areas dying from heart disease compared to people living in cities," said lead study author Lucas X. Marinacci, M.D., a cardiology fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and a post-doctoral research fellow under the mentorship of Dr. Rishi Wadhera, the corresponding study author, at the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research, also at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. "Rural communities bear a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as economic hardship and health care system challenges, such as hospital closures, physician shortages and lack of public health infrastructure, all of which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic."
The analysis found that between 2010 and 2022, cardiovascular mortality rates increased in rural areas and decreased in urban areas of the U.S., resulting in a widening rural-urban disparity. There was a concerning rise in cardiovascular mortality among younger adults that was concentrated in rural areas. There was a sharp increase in cardiovascular mortality rates following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a change that was more pronounced in rural populations. Specifically:
"Leading up to the pandemic, the cardiometabolic health of rural communities was already in decline, particularly among younger adults. This may have made them more vulnerable to both the direct and indirect cardiovascular effects of COVID-19," Marinacci said. "Cardiovascular risk factor control worsened during the pandemic, and those in rural areas experienced greater interruptions in health care coverage, access and affordability. The unprecedented surge in economic and psychosocial distress that occurred during the wake of the pandemic also disproportionately impacted rural populations.
"Therefore, a growing burden of cardiometabolic disease combined with other risk-enhancing factors -- all of which were likely exacerbated by the pandemic -- may have caused rural-urban disparities in death rates to widen even further during the 12-year study period," he added.
According to Marinacci, there is an urgent need to implement public health initiatives that are specifically focused on reducing cardiovascular risk among working-age rural adults.
"Aggressive risk factor modification is needed to reverse these trends. Community health workers may be able strengthen the connection between rural adults and the health care team and resources that can help manage these chronic conditions. Finally, policy interventions that improve access to health care, make it more affordable and increase health insurance coverage for rural populations could go a long way in reducing the disparity in cardiovascular death," Marinacci said.
Study background and details:
"Rural communities face a number of unique challenges when it comes to cardiovascular health, including a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors like Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, as well as worse access to specialty care and cardiovascular technologies," said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, chair of the American Heart Association's Presidential Advisory Forecasting the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in the United States Through 2050. "We need new solutions, including cardiovascular-specific interventions like telehealth-based specialist visits, as well as policy interventions to improve the affordability of care, to help people in rural areas reverse these alarming trends."
A limitation of the study is that the findings are based on death certificate records, which may include errors in the underlying cause or causes of death. Some death records during the time period examined may also have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the abstract.
Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association's scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association's overall financial information are available here.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries and AHA Expert Perspective:
AHA Communications & Media Relations in Dallas: [email protected]