A Comparative Study of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Rural and Urban Population of Karbi Anglong, Assam

Abstract Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), are leading contributors to global mortality, driven by preventable risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, and unhealthy lifestyles. In developing countries like India, rapid urbanization and the adoption of Western lifestyles have led to an increased prevalence of CVD risk factors. However, limited data exists on the comparative distribution of these risk factors in rural and urban populations, particularly in northeastern India. This study aimed to compare cardiovascular disease risk factors, including metabolic and lipid profiles, between rural and urban populations in the Karbi Anglong District. Material & Method: A prospective observational study included 200 participants, equally divided between rural and urban groups. Data on demographics, physical characteristics, habits, and comorbidities were collected. Blood samples were analyzed for random blood sugar (RBS) and lipid profiles. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23.0, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results: The study found comparable demographic and lifestyle characteristics between the groups. However, urban participants exhibited significantly higher mean levels of RBS, cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, and lower HDL levels compared to rural participants (p<0.05). Conclusion: Urban populations in the study area demonstrated a higher metabolic and lipid-related risk burden, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions to address these disparities and promote cardiovascular health.