Exploring the Impact of Urbanization on Cardiovascular Diseases in Wildlife Focusing on Environmental and Behavioral Factors

Abstract

The rise in prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been associated with urbanization as a result of the environment, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. As the urban population grows, it is essential to understand the link between urbanization and CVD for people's health. The proposed study is intended to discuss how urban lifestyle affects cardiovascular health, including risk factors associated with urbanization and comparisons of CVD incidence rates between urban and rural settings. Cross-sectional research was done on urban and rural participants. The data were collected through surveys to evaluate lifestyle factors, cardiovascular health, and environmental factors (air and noise pollution). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and regression models were used to analyze the data, determine risk factors, and compare CVD rates. In wildlife, urbanization similarly impacts cardiovascular health, with altered habitats and environmental stressors exacerbating health issues in species. Urban environments, characterized by increased pollution and habitat fragmentation, pose significant threats to wildlife, including cardiovascular strain. Behavioral changes in response to urbanization, such as altered foraging patterns and higher stress levels, contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in wildlife populations. Understanding the intersection of urbanization and wildlife health is crucial for developing conservation strategies that address these emerging threats. The researchers found a higher prevalence of CVD in urban regions (25%) than in rural regions (15%). Among the significant risk factors in urban populations were sedentary behavior, unhealthy diets, constant stress, and pollution. Rural populations, on the contrary, were more likely to smoke and have poor access to healthcare. Urbanization is a significant cause of the increased prevalence of CVD. To alleviate the risk of cardiovascular diseases among urban populations, effective interventions in the field of public health, including the promotion of physical activity, better nutrition, and the elimination of pollution, are necessary.