The so-called developed nations of the West – of Europe and the Americas – are way behind us. But there is no reason to cheer: for we in India have earned ourselves the dubious distinction of being the Coronary Capital of the World. And mind you, it is not something that we have merely inherited from our forefathers – we have, and are continuing to work very hard to achieve the distinction.
Sounds a tad bit farfetched? Perhaps, but the fact remains – we Indians are either totally unaware, or absolutely callous so far as embracing a healthy lifestyle goes, which in turn has led to our Nation being the fertile breeding ground of Cardiologic disorders. But more of it later, first the definitions.
Cardiology (from Greek καρδίᾱ kardiā, “heart” and -λογία -logia, “study”) is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the heart. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease and stroke, is the largest cause of mortality in the world, and the majority of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries such as India and China. These diseases are epidemic in urban locations of these countries and are rapidly increasing in rural areas as well. With demographic shifts, epidemiological transition and increasing urbanization associated with increase in CVD risk factors and a lack of policy directives aimed at chronic disease control, CVDs are poised to attain manic proportions if not tackled on a war footing.
And herein lies the catch. CVD risk factors, on the face of it, are pretty mundane – smoking, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. In plain speak, if one were to eat healthy, exercise and cut out on negatives like smoking and tension one can easily block a substantial part of the risks that are at play. But as we become more and more chair bound with newer tensions crowding on us, it is easier said than done. The same applies with the junk food that has become our staple and the less said about quitting smoking the better. Life has become a heady cocktail of stress, cholesterol, calories, nicotine and a deep aversion to physical exercise as we pride ourselves with “I’m Loving it”.
With increasing urbanization, the figures are also becoming increasingly ominous as is our response, as a people, to the threat. Awareness, especially among the middle and lower income groups, where the incidences of CVD is rising the steepest, is conspicuous in its absence. There is no concerted effort on part of the authorities to spread awareness about this silent killer and little is being done to reach out to the population with a view towards explaining as to why a healthy lifestyle should be adopted and more importantly, how the risks of CVD can be minimized.
The saddest part in this entire saga of apathy and ignorance is the alarming rate in which the killer disease is spreading its tentacles among our children. Not only are they being brought up on a diet that is wrong in absolute terms but are also being forced to follow a lifestyle that is hemmed in, suffocating and totally at odds to a healthy heart.
So how does your consumption of fruits, ratio of waist to hips or location in the urban map determine the risk factors that lead to CVD? Alas, enough studies with concrete figures to justify the conclusions is not yet forthcoming. Yes there the figures are there – but they are scattered, insignificant and certainly without authoritative studies based thereon. This is another area where we have to direct our attention with immediate effect as most of what we are dishing out is not supported by hard facts.
I will be failing in my duties if I do not highlight the fact that the science of detection, medication and even prevention of CVD has made rapid strides in the last couple of years. Cardio Vascular practitioners have reached the status of angels with their deft and clinical precision of treatment on the one hand while on the other, facilities with state of the art support systems have sprung up all over the country. This in itself is a major reason why, despite the overwhelming odds, CVD has not spun out of control and is being looked as an enemy who can be contained, even vanquished.
Yes, the cost of treatment remains an area of concern, especially with the abysmally low level of per capita availability of insurance coverage. Experts in the know opine that this too is merely a temporary irritant and that the costs will come down over time following the natural rules of demand and supply.
The end note? Have a heart, it is not as bad as it is made out to be. Besides, the doctor is in and your heart is in safe hands.
(the piece was written for the Express Health Guide)