When you think of rural life, you might picture farmlands, quiet roads, and a slower pace of living. But behind the calm exterior you don't get in the city is a growing health concern.

People living in rural areas face a higher risk of heart problems compared to people living in urban areas.

But with a slower pace of living and less pollution from the city traffic, you'd think rural communities wouldn't have to worry so much. But research shows they should.

Why Rural Communities Face Heart Disease

In the U.S., about one in five deaths from cardiovascular disease happened in adults under the age of 65. (1) Between 2010-2022, cardiovascular deaths rates climbed by 21% among adults between 21-64 living in rural areas. (2)

That's a pretty big increase considering adults under 65 living in urban areas saw a 9% decrease in heart disease-related deaths during the same time period.

So why are people living in rural areas at a greater risk?

Less Access to Medical Care

One of the biggest reasons is limited access to healthcare. Many rural areas have fewer hospitals, fewer specialists, and longer travel times to get to the nearest clinic or emergency room. In some cases, a heart attack can mean driving an hour or more just to reach the closest hospital.

Regular screenings, preventative care, and early treatment are all harder to come by, which means conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease can go undiagnosed until it’s too late.

Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors

People living in rural areas are more likely to develop lifestyle behaviors that are known contributors to heart disease and poor health overall. These behaviors can include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity.

All of these can hurt your heart overtime. And pair that with limited health care access, it creates a perfect storm for higher rates of cardiovascular disease.

Economic and Social Barriers

Your health isn't just about biology. It can also be shaped by social and economic factors. In rural communities, people often face higher poverty rates, limited access to heart-healthy foods, fewer gyms or safe places to exercise, and limited public health resources.

When you're dealing with financial stress, it can be harder to focus on making healthier choices for your heart.

Longer Emergency Response Times

If you have a heart attack, every second counts. The first 10 minutes is especially important in victims who collapse from cardiac arrest, giving them a better chance of survival if they get help within that window.

Unfortunately in rural areas, studies show that it can take an average of 14 minutes for emergency medical services to arrive from the time of the 911 call, compared to an average of six minutes in urban areas. (3)

What Can You Do

If you live in a rural area, it doesn't mean you're completely out of luck when it comes to preventing heart disease. But there are active choices you need to make to live a healthier life.

Stay on Top of Preventative Care

Even if you have to drive a little farther, keep up with regular check-ups. Annual physicals, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and diabetes tests are critical for catching early signs of heart problems before they become emergencies.

Make Movement Part of Your Routine

You don't need a fancy gym to stay active. Try walking, biking, or doing bodyweight exercises at home. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week—even short walks around your property or neighborhood can add up.

Focus on Heart-Healthy Foods

Access to fresh produce can be tougher in rural areas, but small changes help. Try to eat fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains whenever possible. If fresh options are limited, frozen fruits and veggies are a great alternative.

Know the Signs of a Heart Attack

Education is powerful. Learn the warning signs, like chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back, and know when to call 911 immediately.

Build a Heart-Healthy Community

Get your family, friends, and neighbors involved. Start walking groups, share healthy recipes, and encourage each other to stay on top of medical appointments. Community support can make healthy living easier and more sustainable.

Sources:

(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Heart Disease Facts." https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html. 2024, October 24.

(2) American Heart Association. "Deaths from cardiovascular disease increased among younger U.S. adults in rural areas." Nov. 11, 2024. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/deaths-from-cardiovascular-disease-increased-among-younger-u-s-adults-in-rural-areas. 2024, November 11.

(3) Handberry, M., Bull, O. K., Boehmer, T. K., & Hollingsworth, B. P. "Emergency medical services response times in rural, suburban, and urban areas." JAMA Surgery, vol. 152, no. 10, 2017, pp. 983-984. 2017, July 19