Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Assessment in Urban Versus Rural Women of Same Ethnicity

Objectives: The difference between modern lifestyle in urban areas and the traditional way of life in rural areas may be a reason for increased prevalence of cardiovascular disorders in urban population. The aim of the study was to assess the risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as obesity, blood pressure and lipid profile in rural women as compared to urban women of same ethnic groups. Methods: 180 female subjects (age group 30-40 years) were studied, out of which 90 were from rural areas and 90 from urban areas. The estimation of obesity was done by measuring waist hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) was recorded. Lipid profile (Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol) was done in both the groups. Results: Significant increase in BMI (p<0.001), WHR (p<0.001), systolic blood pressure (p<0.01), total cholesterol (p<0.01), triglycerides (p<0.01), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.01) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.01) was found in urban women as compared to rural women. No significant difference was observed in diastolic blood pressure and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusion: This study shows that the urban women are more obese, have higher blood pressure and adverse plasma lipid profile thereby making them more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases as compared to rural women.