HEART HEALTH IN INDIA

Introduction:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, refer to group of conditions that give rise to long-term health consequences and often create a need for long-term treatment and care. These conditions include cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, cancer, obesity, diabetes and mental health disorders. These diseases are typically not directly transmitted from person to person but are often linked to lifestyle factors and genetics. According to World Health Organization (WHO) report, globally 74% of all deaths is attributed to NCDs. Heart health is a significant concern in India due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including coronary artery disease, heart attacks and strokes. Country faces a rising burden of risk factors for heart diseases including hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol levels. These risk factors are often associated with lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and tobacco use.

Epidemic in India:
India is facing a growing epidemic of NCDs. NCDs are characterized by their long duration and generally slow progression. In India, the prevalence of NCDs follows a specific order: cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory conditions, and cancer. Several factors contribute to the epidemic of NCDs in India are changing lifestyles, alcohol and tobacco use, air pollution, and limited healthcare. A report titled “India Health of Nation’s States” reveals that NCDs account for 55% of the total disease burden in the country. What’s even more concerning is that this issue starts a decade earlier in India, affecting individuals aged 45 and above, while in developed nations, it typically emerges at 55 years and beyond.

CVD:
CVD refers to a group of health conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. CVDs are a significant health concern in India and Worldwide contribute to a substantial burden of diseases and mortality. India faces a growing epidemic of risk factors for CVDs including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In India, CVD contributes to 45% of all NCD deaths. A significant proportion of CVD cases can be attributed to factors that can be modified. These modifiable risk factors fall into three categories: lifestyle factors (comprising elements such as diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity), metabolic factors (encompassing hypertension, body mass index, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels), and socioeconomic factors (including education, public awareness, and access to healthcare). According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) report, 38% of men and 9% of women in India continue to use tobacco. Additionally, 18.8% of men and 1.3% of women still engage in alcohol consumption. Alarming statistics reveal that 7.2% of men and 6.3% of women exhibit high blood glucose levels. Furthermore, both men and women have seen a 4% increase in obesity rates. The presence of these risk factors significantly heightens the likelihood of CVD within the Indian population.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of CVD:
Premature CVD is largely preventable. Early and effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention can help, reduce the burden of CVDs and improve the overall heart health of individuals and populations. It is crucial to have regular check-ups with a doctor who can look the early signs and symptoms of CVD include age, family history, high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and having the conditions like smoking, obesity and many more. Paying attention to symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, fast heart beats, feeling dizzy, and being very tired is really important. To find the CVD early, doctors check the blood pressure and tests the risk factors such as cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as using an electrocardiogram. Keeping an eye on the risk factors is really challenging but possible. Preventing CVD starts with living a healthy lifestyle source like eating well, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol consumption and finding ways to manage stress. Sometimes, medicines might be needed and necessary in serious cases, procedures like angioplasty, stenting or bypass surgery.

In summary, improving heart health requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort from government agencies, healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations and individuals in India and worldwide. Emphasizing prevention, early detection and access to quality care are the key component of these efforts.