Rural–urban disparities in cardiovascular disease mortality vary by poverty level and region

• DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12874
• Publication Date: 2024-08-17T05:04:23Z
• Authors: Ahlia Sekkarie; Rebecca C. Woodruff; Michele Casper; Angela M Thompson...; Adam S. Vaughan
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine

Abstract Purpose To examine rural and urban disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) death rates by poverty level region. Methods Using 2021 county‐level population mortality data for CVD deaths listed as the underlying cause among adults aged 35–64 years, we calculated age‐standardized rate ratios (RR) 4 categories of counties: high‐poverty rural, urban, low‐poverty (referent). Results are presented nationally US Census Findings Rural varied markedly Nationally, was highest areas (191 per 100,000, RR: 1.76, CI: 1.73–1.78). By region, Southern had (256 100,000) largest disparity relative to (RR: 2.05; 2.01–2.09). In Midwest West, were higher than areas, regardless or classification. Conclusions reinforce importance prioritizing especially South, efforts reduce mortality. These may need consider socioeconomic conditions addition disparities.