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Advisory Calls for Bridging Inequities in Rural Health

There is a three-year life expectancy gap between rural and urban populations. Breaking down health care barriers for these residents is an inequity problem that needs innovative approaches, according to a new advisory from the American Heart Association.

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Rural areas see higher rates of tobacco use, physical inactivity and obesity, which have given rise to higher rates of diabetes and hypertension. In turn, rural communities have higher death rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke and higher maternal mortality rates due in part to cardiovascular deaths. These populations also are more likely to experience mental and behavioral health challenges than those in urban areas.

Read on for more information about the advisory.