Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Published : October 30, 2014 3:21 PM IST
A study published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes suggested that people living in rural areas are at an equal risk of dying due to heart disease as their urban counterparts, unlike suggested by earlier research that health outcomes are different for those living in rural and urban areas.
The study, carried out by researchers at Women's College Hospital in Ontario and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and led by an Indian-origin scientist, shows that regardless of the fact that people in rural areas don't have proper access to health care they are not at an increased risk of dying due to heart disease compared to those living in urban areas who have all the facilities.
This the first ever study examining outpatient quality of care between urban and rural communities. The study analysed records of more than 38,000 people with chronic ischemic heart disease living in either urban or rural areas. According to the analysis, people living in rural areas had lesser specialist visits but visited hospital emergency departments more frequently for care. They were prescribed statins less often, were tested less frequently for cholesterol and blood sugar levels but experienced a similar risk of hospitalisation and death compared to urban counterparts. (Read: 10 secrets to great heart health)
These observations contradicts all existing research that suggested gaps in care for those living in rural areas and urban areas. 'Research has long suggested people with heart disease in rural areas are at a disadvantage when it comes to access to health care and longevity,' said Dr Sacha Bhatia, lead author of the study and a cardiologist at Women's College Hospital. 'Our study shows once a patient leaves the hospital their overall health outcomes are similar regardless of where they live,' said Bhatia. (Read: Take the natural route to heart health home remedies that work!)
The researchers said while those living in rural areas access their care differently, it did not result in poor health outcomes. 'From our study, we know that people with heart disease in rural areas tend to rely heavily on emergency departments for their care because of a lack of outpatient access to family doctors and specialists,' said Bhatia. (Read: Gallery: Ten tips for a healthier heart)
With inputs from PTI
Photo source: Getty images
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