Cardiovascular Disease: Current Scenario

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are world’s number one killer. It kills more than 20.5 million every year and majority of these deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries. 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease are preventable. CVD affect Indian 10 years earlier than western. Indian has greatest risk of acute coronary events and heart attack (MI).

India has witnessed a 3.5-fold increases in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in just three decades and has escalated from 25.7 million cases in 1990 to 64 million in 2023.

Conventional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are Diabetes, ypertension, dyslipidemia (disturbed cholesterol), smoking, sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors etc. Diabetes increases the risk of CVD by 2-4 times. Dyslipidemia is alarmingly raised in India. Beyond conventional risk factors, there are newly emerging lifestyle related risk factors which are responsible for increasing CVD. Deteriorating ambient air quality, persistent exposure to household air pollutants is found to rise CVD burden in India. Obesity has reached a pandemic level globally and found in all age groups. Abdominal obesity is recognized as an important risk factor for CVD. Specifically, obesity increases the risk of CVD by 2.3 times.

Physical exercise has a dramatic impact on CVD. There is nearly 50% lower incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in physically active individuals. Ironically, only fewer than 10% of middle-aged and older adults are involved in consistent exercise routines.

Carbohydrates rich foods are harmful. Reusing oil for cooking in Indian culture is common and it has found to be associated with rise in CVDs.

There are “life’s essential 8” to improve cardiovascular health are not-smoking, physical activity, healthy diet, healthy body weight, sleep health and control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

Decreasing intake of high-fat dairy, carbohydrates, and saturated fats while increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables can contribute to better overall health. Yoga and meditation on a regular basis significantly contribute to preventing CVD.