Heart disease is becoming more common in India for a number of reasons:
1. Lifestyle Changes: Due to India’s fast modernization and urbanisation, there have been substantial changes in the way people live their lives. These include less physical exercise, more sedentary behaviour, and a move towards a more Westernized diet that is high in fat, salt, and sugar. Risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, have increased as a result of these changes.
2. Increased Stress: Workplace pressure, financial stress, and family obligations are just a few of the factors contributing to an increase in stress among Indians. An increased risk of heart disease is linked to chronic stress.
3. Tobacco user: India has a high rate of tobacco usage, which includes chewing and smoking. Heart disease and other cardiovascular issues are significantly influenced by tobacco usage.
4. Air Pollution: High levels of air pollution in India have been associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
5. Diabetes: India is known as the diabetes capital of the world as it is home to more than 72 million diabetics. Moreover, it is estimated that by the year 2025, the number of people with diabetes will increase further to 57.2 million. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) [3]estimated that the prevalence of diabetes in adults of the urban areas is higher (11.8%) as compared to those in rural areas (3.8%).
Diabetes which causes high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. In the long run, it can lead to arterial blockage and increase the risk of a heart attack. In fact, heart disease and stroke are one of the leading causes of death in adults with diabetes. Moreover, the longer you have been suffering from diabetes, the higher the risk of developing heart disease. Hence, it is important to keep a control on your blood glucose level.
