In India, heart disease is a leading cause of death and a major public health concern. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 31% of all deaths in India.
The National Health Profile (NHP) of India 2019, reports that Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death, accounting for around 25% of all deaths.
The data shows that there are several factors that contribute to the high rates of heart disease in India, such as:
- High prevalence of risk factors: India has a high prevalence of risk factors for heart diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
- Lack of awareness: Many people in India are not aware of the risk factors for heart disease, and may not be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
- Limited access to healthcare: Many people in India do not have access to quality healthcare, which can make it difficult to detect and manage heart disease.
- Changing lifestyle: Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyle patterns in India, such as increased consumption of processed and high-calorie foods, and reduced physical activity, are also contributing to the high rates of heart disease.
However, it’s important to note that there may be variations in the prevalence of heart disease and risk factors in different regions of India, and these figures may have changed since the knowledge cutoff date 2021.
Heart disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque. This can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and, in the worst case, a heart attack.
Other types of heart disease include:
- Heart failure: a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively to the rest of the body
- Arrhythmias: abnormal heart rhythms that can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly
- Heart valve disease: a condition in which one or more of the heart’s valves do not work properly
- Aortic aneurysm: a bulging in the wall of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body
- Cardiomyopathy: a disease of the heart muscle that can make it harder for the heart to pump blood.
Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Some risk factors, such as family history and age, cannot be changed, but many can be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and early detection and management of risk factors are crucial for preventing and controlling heart disease.
There are several steps that can be taken to prevent heart disease:
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and added sugars can help lower your risk of heart disease. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can also help.
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, on most days of the week.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart health.
- Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower blood pressure.
- Control your cholesterol: High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Eating a diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, and taking medications if necessary, can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Manage your diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking medication as prescribed can help manage diabetes and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Manage stress: Stress can increase the risk of heart disease. Practicing stress-relief techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help lower stress levels.
- Control your weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. It’s recommended to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations and check-ups, it’s important to be aware of your own health status and to detect any early signs of heart disease.
