More adults in rural America are dying from cardiovascular diseases
Nov 15, 2024
The rural-urban gap in cardiovascular deaths still exists, according to new research that also shows the situation for rural residents was worse in 2022 than in 2010.
American Heart Association
The Road to Rural Health
Confronting health challenges faced by 66 million people in rural U.S. communities through science, education and advocacy.
Small towns have a big problem with health care. But they also have the resilience to meet the problem. People in rural communities live almost three years fewer than urban dwellers, and they’re more likely to die early from heart disease or a stroke.
The reasons are varied and not always understood.
Higher rates of tobacco use, physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk for serious diseases. Rural communities face severe shortages of health care professionals. People may live a long way from hospitals or clinics. Or they may reside in “food deserts,” remote from reliable access to healthy food.
Even so, the advantages of rural life, including a strong sense of connection, of neighbors helping neighbors, provide a sturdy foundation for overcoming these health disparities.
Stories from rural America
Imagine not having a doctor in town. Think what it would mean to live 200 miles from the nearest hospital. One in five people in the U.S. may face just such realities because of where they live. We’re zeroing in on some of the major health issues facing rural America and what’s being done about them.
The American Heart Association visited Alaska, Kansas, Kentucky, The Dakotas and West Virginia to try to understand the rural health challenges people face, and how they are working to overcome them. Watch our Health Wanted video reports and download the Discussion Guides to continue the conversation in your community.
Alaska
Great distances and multiple health care systems in the nation’s largest state.
Kansas
The Ioway tribe grapples with food insecurity by returning to traditional farming methods.
Kentucky
People face rugged terrain, long distances and other barriers to health.
The Dakotas
Long distances and fewer medical professionals impact emergency response.
West Virginia
While the state ranks low in many health categories, people there are working to make a difference.
Taking Action to Meet Rural Needs
The American Heart Association has identified the rural health crisis as one of the top three barriers to achieving health care access. In response, the Association is taking action through a comprehensive, community-driven approach designed to meet the unique needs of rural and tribal communities.
The Presidential Advisory underscores three urgent priorities:
- Expanding access to care
- Enhancing the quality of care
- Reducing risk factors for heart disease and stroke
Initiatives in action
Removing barriers to health in rural areas is a top priority for the Association, which is directing energy and resources to close the gap between rural and urban care. Here’s how:
Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator
Improving care at hospitals and clinics with no-cost access to Get With the Guidelines® programs for coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke.
Improving Access to Care
Funding $20 million in projects to find fresh solutions to the issues.
Support our mission and you can join us in helping rural communities
We’re dedicated to removing barriers to health – such as the challenges rural Americans face. We’re telling these stories to raise awareness about these problems. Join our efforts to combat issues in rural America and in other communities.
Rural Health News & Stories
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