A Cross‐Sectional Study on the Role of Biochemical Markers in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment: Comparison of Urban and Rural Populations in Pakistan

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with a growing prevalence in developing countries such as Pakistan due to urbanization and lifestyle changes. This study aimed to compare biochemical markers and associated cardiovascular risk factors between urban and rural populations in Pakistan. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 120 participants aged 30–65 years, equally divided between urban ( n = 60) and rural ( n = 60) populations. Demographic and lifestyle data were collected using structured questionnaires. Anthropometric measures, including body mass index (BMI) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), were recorded. Blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Independent t ‐tests and multivariate regression were used to assess differences between groups. Results Urban participants had significantly higher levels of TC, LDL, TG, and hs‐CRP, and lower HDL compared with rural participants ( p < 0.01). BMI and WHR were also significantly higher in the urban group, indicating a greater obesity‐related CVD risk. FBG levels were higher in urban participants, though the difference was not statistically significant. Lifestyle factors such as lower physical activity, higher smoking prevalence, and less healthy dietary patterns were more common among urban residents. Conclusion Urban populations in Pakistan exhibit a higher cardiovascular risk profile, characterized by unfavorable biochemical markers, increased obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle patterns. These findings highlight the adverse impact of urbanization on cardiovascular health and underscore the need for targeted public health strategies and lifestyle interventions, particularly in urban settings, to reduce the burden of CVDs in the country.