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India’s Heart Health Crisis: A Call for Action

  • September 23, 2024
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India’s Heart Health Crisis: A Call for Action

In recent times, we have been inundated with reports of heart attacks, and the statistics are nothing short of alarming. An adult heart beats about 60 to 80 times per minute, accumulating over 100,000 beats each day. This vital organ works tirelessly to circulate blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to every cell. Yet, despite its constant effort, many of us fail to give our hearts the attention and care they desperately need.

India is facing a critical health threat — an escalating cardiovascular disease (CVD) crisis that is impacting the nation at alarming rates. Studies reveal that Indians are developing heart diseases almost a decade earlier than their Western counterparts, marking a stark difference in health outcomes. The Association of Physicians of India (API) underscores this worrying trend as a clear sign of the impending health emergency.

CVDs, which encompass conditions like heart disease and stroke, are the top cause of death globally. Alarmingly, India holds the second-highest position in heart disease-related mortality, with over 20% of men and 17% of women losing their lives to these conditions each year. Furthermore, Indians face a 20-50% greater risk of death from coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to other populations. Even more concerning, the number of deaths and disabilities resulting from CAD has doubled in the country over the last three decades.

On September 29th, marked globally as World Heart Day, the spotlight is on heart health, urging us to take immediate action to protect ourselves from the dangers of CVD. While the numbers are harrowing, they serve as a reminder of the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive heart health monitoring.

This blog will explore the underlying causes of India’s cardiovascular crisis, the risk factors contributing to heart disease, and practical steps to improve heart health. Now is the time to understand the importance of routine check-ups, lifestyle changes, and early interventions to safeguard one of the body’s most vital organs. The heart, after all, powers everything we do — from chasing career goals to enjoying time with loved ones — and it deserves our utmost attention.

In recent times, several heart attack cases in India have been associated with extreme physical exertion, sparking concerns about underlying heart health. Sudden, intense physical activity, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or undiagnosed cardiovascular issues, can put excessive strain on the heart. This strain can lead to a sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially triggering a heart attack or other cardiac events. The lack of routine health check-ups, combined with poor lifestyle habits, further exacerbates the risk, often catching individuals off guard during or after strenuous activities.

Types of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) encompass a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This occurs when the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked, usually due to the build-up of plaque. CAD can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and even heart failure.
  • Heart Failure: Contrary to its name, heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working. Instead, it refers to the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs.
  • Arrhythmias: These are irregular heartbeats, which may be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or erratic. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can be life-threatening.
  • Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, often due to a blocked artery or the rupture of a blood vessel. This can result in brain damage, leading to long-term disability or death.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This condition affects blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain and discomfort, especially in the legs, due to the narrowing of arteries.
  • Congenital Heart Disease: A range of birth defects affecting the heart’s structure, this type of CVD can affect how blood flows through the heart and the rest of the body.

7 Common Risk Markers to Be Aware Of

Understanding the risk factors for cardiovascular disease is crucial to taking preventive action. Some of the key markers to watch for include:

  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension puts excessive pressure on artery walls, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
  • High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) lead to plaque build-up in arteries, restricting blood flow and raising the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
  • Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at significantly higher risk for CVD due to damage to the blood vessels caused by high blood sugar levels.
  • Obesity: Carrying excess weight increases the strain on the heart and raises the risk of developing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which contribute to heart disease.
  • Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque build-up, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: A lack of regular physical activity contributes to many of the aforementioned risk factors, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol levels.
  • Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease by triggering unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking or overeating.

10 Simple Ways to Care for Your Heart

  1. Regular Screenings
    Get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels checked regularly. Early detection helps prevent major heart problem.
  2. Watch Cholesterol
    Always choose foods low in saturated fat, like lean meats, fruits, and veggies. Keep LDL (bad cholesterol) in check to avoid clogged arteries.
  3. Healthy Eating
    Fill your plate with colourful fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. A balanced diet fuels your heart for the long run.
  4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
    Excess weight strains the heart and increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Keep a healthy weight through diet and activity.
  5. Exercise Regularly
    Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
  6. Stay Hydrated
    Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Staying hydrated keeps blood volume stable and your heart functioning well.
  7. Quit Smoking
    Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. Smoking damages arteries, leading to heart disease.
  8. Bounce Back from Setbacks
    Don’t let a bad day or week throw you off track. Refocus and keep working on your heart health goals.
  9. Monitor Your Progress
    Track your physical activity, diet, and other heart-healthy habits. Reward yourself when you reach your milestones!
  10. Manage Stress
    Chronic stress impacts heart health. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and protect your heart.

Taking small, consistent steps can make a big impact on your heart health. By adopting healthy habits and staying mindful of your cholesterol, diet, and exercise, you're already on the path to a stronger heart. Most importantly, prioritize regular heart health checks and screenings to catch any issues early and ensure your heart is functioning at its best. A healthy heart means a healthier, longer life.

 

 

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