Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with a particularly high burden in Central Asian countries. Despite ongoing urbanization, rural populations constitute a significant demographic in this region, yet epidemiological data stratified by urban and rural residence are limited and fragmented. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and risk factor profiles of CVDs among urban and rural populations in Central Asia, identify disparities, and inform targeted prevention and control strategies. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Included studies reported cardiovascular health indicators with urban–rural stratification in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Data extraction and qualitative synthesis were performed, with methodological quality assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Eight original studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing national and regional datasets with diverse designs, including retrospective analyses, cross-sectional surveys, and registry data. Overall, CVD incidence and prevalence showed increasing trends in both urban and rural areas, with consistently higher mortality rates in urban populations. Key modifiable risk factors—hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and smoking—were prevalent, particularly in rural settings. Variability in healthcare access and preventive program implementation contributed to the observed disparities. Limited data from some countries, particularly Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, highlight gaps in epidemiological surveillance. Conclusions: The cardiovascular disease burden in Central Asia demonstrates significant urban–rural disparities, underscoring the need for tailored public health interventions and enhanced healthcare resource allocation in rural regions. Strengthening epidemiological monitoring and implementing region-specific prevention programs targeting modifiable risk factors are imperative for reducing CVD morbidity and mortality. Further high-quality research is necessary to address existing data gaps and optimize cardiovascular health strategies across the region.

Background. Cardiovascular diseases remain a major public health challenge. In predominantly rural regions, the geographical distribution of healthcare resources may limit access to specialist care. Objective. To assess trends in registered cardiovascular morbidity and cardiology service capacity in the Almaty Region and estimate cardiologist workforce requirements for 2026. Materials and methods. A retrospective population-based analytical study used aggregated administrative data. Regional morbidity was assessed for 2019–2024; territorial morbidity, workforce, and bed capacity for 10 territorial units during 2022–2024; and urban and rural hospitalizations for 2022–2025. Surgical and high-technology care indicators were assessed for the available periods. Analyses included descriptive statistics, coefficients of variation, and Pearson correlations. Workforce requirements were estimated using the 2024 dispensary-registered patient population, annual growth, and a planning assumption of one cardiologist per 2,000 patients. Results. Regional registered cardiovascular morbidity increased from 2,319.7 to 2,497.3 per 100,000 population (+7.7%), with the largest increase observed for ischemic heart disease. In 2024, the mean rate across the 10 territories was 5,101.4 per 100,000, with a coefficient of variation of 65.3%. Rural hospitalizations increased from 1,756 to 2,325 (+32.4%). None of the three correlations reached statistical significance (p > 0.05). The projected requirement for 2026 was 84 cardiologists compared with 71 reported in 2024, yielding a net model-based gap of 13. Conclusions. Registered cardiovascular morbidity increased, and substantial territorial variability was observed. Correlations remain exploratory. The workforce projection is a planning estimate rather than a confirmed future shortage. Further assessment of workforce distribution, referral pathways, and access to specialist care is warranted.