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Your heart is one of the key organs in your body. Thus, keeping your heart healthy is very important. Nevertheless, there has been an increase in heart-related illnesses worldwide, particularly in India. In fact, heart diseases are the top causes of death around the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that about 19.8 million people passed away from heart disease (CVDs) in 2022. Among these, 85% were caused by heart attacks and strokes. A new report called Beat by Beat 2025 from BM Birla Heart Hospital indicates that India accounts for 20% of the world's heart attack deaths among over 190 countries. The report shows that India's heart health is worsening and points out shortcomings in prevention, early detection, and ongoing heart care. It also notes that eastern India is responsible for 30% of the nation’s CVD deaths. One out of every ten adults has heart problems. West Bengal, in particular, has more cases of ischemic heart disease than the national average. The recent report also mentions that late detection, minimal early screenings, and slow emergency responses during the critical "golden hour" are major reasons for higher death rates in these areas.
Not only India, but the research also examined South and South-East Asia. South Asia has 80 percent more instances of ischemic heart disease compared to East Asia and 30 percent more than Southeast Asia. Conversely, strokes account for 42% of heart-related deaths in South Asia, which exceeds the global average. Unmanaged high blood pressure is the main cause of hemorrhagic stroke. The report emphasizes that heart disease deaths rose across Asia during the pandemic years. Heart problems grew among younger adults aged 25 to 45. The report links this increased danger to contemporary lifestyles. Ongoing stress, digital burnout, loneliness, and poor sleep are some factors that heighten the risk of heart disease. People who feel socially isolated have a 15% higher risk of coronary heart issues, with 72% of urban workers experiencing chronic digital fatigue.
Factors That Contribute To Heart Diseases In India:
Unhealthy Diet: Eating too much salt, sugar, processed carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and junk food raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In India, habits like consuming fast food load the heart with unhealthy fats. This contributes to obesity and diabetes, which are major factors leading to blocked arteries.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Many people in India do not meet the WHO's recommendations for physical activity, mainly due to sitting jobs and excessive screen time. Not getting enough exercise weakens the heart muscles, boosts the chance of gaining weight, and leads to obesity. Simple activities like walking or doing yoga can help counter these effects.
High Blood Pressure: Hypertension gradually harms arteries, forcing the heart to work harder and increasing the chances of having a stroke. Regular monitoring and reducing salt in the diet can help control this condition.
Diabetes: With 101 million individuals diagnosed with diabetes and 136 million at risk, India is facing a significant challenge. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels, accelerating the buildup of plaque in arteries. It is important to focus on eating whole foods and keeping track of carbohydrate consumption.
Tobacco Use: A large number of people in India use tobacco, which raises the likelihood of heart attacks. It narrows blood vessels and increases the chance of clots forming. These risks can be heightened by excessive drinking.
Chronic Stress: Stress from work, family matters, or financial issues can cause inflammation in the arteries. This can eventually heighten the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
Air Pollution: Low-quality air and smoke from homes can lead to inflammation in the heart and blood vessels, subsequently increasing the risk of heart-related events.
