Living in densely populated urban areas may increase the risk of suffering a stroke by up to 70 per cent compared with rural living, according to scientific research highlighting the health challenges associated with rapid urbanization.
As more people move to cities in search of employment, better services and improved living standards, experts warn that urban environments can also expose residents to health risks linked to pollution, stress, physical inactivity and noise.
Globally, more than 4.7 billion people, representing about 58 per cent of the world’s population, currently live in urban areas. This figure is projected to rise to 68 per cent by 2050. In Rwanda, the urban population is expected to reach about 70 per cent by the same period.
Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that people living in highly populated cities face a stroke risk that is 20 to 70 per cent higher than those living in rural areas.
The study found that residents of highly developed and densely populated urban areas may have between 2.3 and 3.3 times higher chances of suffering a stroke compared with people living in rural settings.
In major cities, the proportion of people at risk of stroke was found to reach 2.49 per cent, while in rural areas it remained below one per cent.
Researchers have linked the increased risk to several urban factors, including air pollution from vehicles and industries, limited physical activity, stress and prolonged exposure to environmental noise.
The NIH study also found that people living within 100 metres of major roads have a 42 per cent higher risk of stroke compared with those living at least 400 metres away from busy roads.
A 2025 review published in the European Heart Journal, which analyzed findings from 12 studies, showed that continuous exposure to noise can trigger long-term stress responses in the body, affecting the heart, brain and blood vessels.
According to the research, prolonged noise exposure can increase levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which may contribute to increased heart rate, narrowing of blood vessels and higher blood pressure.
The study further indicated that every 14.9-decibel increase in noise exposure was associated with a 7.5 per cent increase in the risk of major cardiovascular problems and an 8.1 per cent rise in the risk of death from various causes.
Stroke remains among the world’s leading causes of death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the disease claims about 6.6 million lives every year, with projections showing the annual death toll could rise to 9.7 million by 2050.
In Rwanda, available studies show that stroke accounts for about two per cent of hospital admissions, with men representing approximately 55 per cent of recorded cases.
The European Environment Agency has also linked road traffic noise to increased risks of mental health challenges, including a three per cent rise in depression risk and a two per cent increase in anxiety risk.
Health experts continue to encourage urban residents to adopt preventive measures, including regular exercise, healthy diets, managing stress and reducing exposure to environmental risks where possible.
