In the past year, cases of heart disease and heart attacks have instilled fear among Indians. From children as young as 12 to individuals aged 45, many have lost their lives to heart attacks. Beyond India, post-COVID, there has been a global surge in heart-related diseases, making cardiovascular issues a serious health concern worldwide. While heart diseases were traditionally associated with the elderly until a few decades ago, recent cases have surprised everyone, affecting people of all ages. Even those with lower incomes are increasingly becoming victims.
Rising Cases of Heart Attacks: Causes and Concerns
Doctors attribute the surge in heart attack cases to the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people's lifestyles. Reduced physical activity, increased stress, elevated levels of depression, and unhealthy eating habits are prevalent. Looking at the statistics for the year 2023, it is evident that not only in India but also globally, there has been a significant rise in heart attack cases, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there has been a notable 12.5% increase in heart attack cases in 2022 alone.
Startling Numbers from NCRB
The latest report on 'Sudden Deaths and Suicides in India' by NCRB reveals that in 2022, 32,457 people died from heart attacks, a substantial increase from the 28,413 recorded deaths in the previous year. Specialists worldwide, including those in India, openly acknowledge the probable long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on heart health.
Experts point to factors such as a diet high in salt, smoking, increased stress levels, sedentary lifestyles, lack of sleep, and the consumption of processed foods as contributors to the heightened risk of heart attacks. Additionally, during this period, people are developing pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity, all significant risk factors for heart attacks.
Lifestyle Changes Can Save Lives
Experts emphasize that conditions like pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, and high cholesterol are modifiable with lifestyle changes. However, the prolonged periods of confinement within homes have led to the emergence of silent heart diseases in individuals. They note, "Our poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, lack of physical activity or exercise are exacerbating this impact. Another critical factor is genetics. Being Indian, our genetics are not favorable, as our arteries tend to be smaller, increasing the risk whenever there are high levels of cholesterol, sugar, blood pressure, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and many other risk factors."
Moreover, the quality of Indian food products is deteriorating. Good cholesterol levels are low, and bad cholesterol levels are high. This is due to our diet being rich in processed carbohydrates and fats, with inadequate protein intake.
COVID-19 and Heart Health
Experts caution that individuals who have had COVID-19 may face an increased risk of heart disease, and excessive exercise should be avoided. The virus can cause significant damage to the cardiovascular system, leading to myocardial inflammation and an increased risk of blood clots. Intense physical activity may exert pressure on the heart, potentially causing irregular heartbeats or swelling, both of which are hazardous conditions.
Preventive Measures for Heart Health
To maintain a healthy heart, health specialists recommend adopting certain practices that everyone should follow in contemporary times:
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Incorporate nutrient-rich foods into your diet.
Choose a plant-based diet over non-vegetarian options.
Stay active and make regular exercise a habit.
Control your weight.
Regularly monitor cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure levels.
Address stress, anxiety, and depression seriously, seeking advice from healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, the increase in heart attack cases, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Individuals must pay attention to their diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Seeking medical advice for timely intervention and adopting preventive measures can go a long way in ensuring a healthy heart and overall well-being.
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