One of the leading causes of deaths in the world are heart-related diseases. If we re-focus and narrow it down to just one country, India, cardiovascular diseases are widespread and not only among elderly people. There has been a significant rise in heart-related disease among youngsters and young people who appear to lead a healthy lifestyle. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, there has been a three to four per cent rise in heart diseases among Indians above the age of 20 in rural areas. In urban India however, there has been an eight to ten per cent rise in heart diseases among the youth. So, what is the reason behind this sudden rise in heart-diseases?
Reasons Behind The Rise In Heart Diseases In India
There are some obvious reasons behind heart-related diseases in India and some rare instances as well. Let us learn more about both:
- Family history and history of heart-related diseases
- Obesity and its rise
- Diabetes and the rise in incidences in India
- High cholesterol levels due to diabetes and obesity
- High blood pressure due to diabetes and obesity
- Poor diet and sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of regular check-ups
- lack of awareness about heart health
- Reliance on synthetic and processed food items and not fresh foods
- Assumptions that if you look healthy, you are healthy.
Why Don’t Indians Opt For Heart Health Tests From An Early Age?
According to the study, an annual check up of heart health is extremely crucial to know the status if your blood pressure, cholesterol and other factors that may cause heart problems. However, Indians generally lack the motivation to go for annual check ups either due to lack of awareness or assumptions or neglect. There are many myths surrounding heart health checkups which hinders proper and timely treatment. Here are some myths that need to be broken:
- Heart check-ups are only for a certain age. This is wrong. Heart health can be poor at any age depending on the above mentioned factors. But, many Indians may think that it is not meant for young people whereas if you are affected by family history, comorbidities or other factor, you may also be prone to heart problems at 20.
- Many people think that if they do not face any symptoms, they are safe and that they are healthy.
- People assume that all tests are expensive and therefore avoid them at all cost. But, the preliminary tests are cheaper than the cost for stroke and heart attack treatment. Moreover, small tests like cholesterol, blood pressure, resting heart rate and diabetes can indicate your heart’s health.
- People assume that the cure or the treatment process will be expensive along with many medications. But, the truth is that if your heart disease is detected early, it can also be treated with interventions like diet and exercise.
- People also assume that you should only get tested for chronic diseases and their symptoms and not otherwise.
But you should note that, be it any person or any health condition, prevention is always better than cure.
