Heart Disease Deaths in Rural America on the Rise
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that cardiovascular deaths have been increasing in rural areas, particularly among young adults, since the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the study, this is the first national analysis of rural cardiovascular health during the pandemic.
The study analyzed death certificate data from over 11 million adults and found that cardiovascular deaths increased among 25- to 64-year-olds in rural areas, but decreased among people ages 65 and up. In urban areas, cardiovascular deaths decreased among both age groups.
Experts point to several factors contributing to this trend, including the opioid crisis, poverty, limited access to healthcare, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. In rural areas, people are more likely to use methamphetamine, which is associated with heart disease and stroke.
John Trembly Jr., a 20-year-old man from rural Maryland, is one of the victims of this trend. His body was found with no signs of life after he had been dead for three days. An autopsy revealed that his cardiovascular system had been destroyed, likely due to chronic meth use.
Researchers are working to understand the underlying causes of this trend and develop solutions to address it. One approach is to train community health workers to identify and treat heart disease early on. Another is to provide telehealth services, which could bridge the gap in access to healthcare in rural areas.
However, experts note that addressing this issue will require a community-driven approach that takes into account the unique challenges faced by rural communities. This includes providing incentives for doctors to practice in rural areas, increasing access to healthcare services, and addressing the underlying socioeconomic drivers of the trend.
For now, the families of those who have lost loved ones to heart disease and stroke are left to grapple with the devastating consequences of these trends.
