*Alarming Rise in Cardiovascular Disease Deaths in India*
RNS I Kolkata: A new report from BM Birla Hospital has unveiled a critical cardiac health crisis in India, revealing that the country accounts for 20% of global heart attack fatalities. Currently, approximately 90 million Indians are living with cardiovascular conditions, underscoring a significant public health challenge.
Entitled “Every Beat Counts,” the report highlights the alarming rise in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in India, noting a threefold increase in coronary heart disease over the past three decades. The mortality rate for cardiovascular diseases in India stands at 272 per 100,000 people, surpassing the global average of 235. Urban areas bear the brunt, with a mortality rate of 450 compared to 200 in rural regions.
The report also identifies a troubling trend known as the “thin-fat” body type—characterized by normal weight coupled with high body fat—as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular issues among Indians. Overall, CVDs account for 24.5% of all deaths in the country, with states like West Bengal and Punjab seeing heart disease-related deaths exceeding 35%.
Vipul Jain, CEO of CK Birla Hospitals, stated, “Our inaugural ‘Every Beat Counts’ report highlights the urgent need for a national strategy to tackle this worsening crisis. By releasing this report annually, we hope to foster sustained awareness and collective action toward a healthier nation.”
The findings reveal substantial challenges within India’s healthcare system, particularly in cardiac care, where there is one cardiologist for every 250,000 people—compared to one for every 7,300 Americans. The report calls for improved healthcare infrastructure, greater access to specialized care, and enhanced public awareness to combat the escalating cardiovascular crisis affecting all demographics.
Alarmingly, CVD is increasingly affecting younger populations, with 10% of infant mortality in India now attributed to heart diseases. The report highlights a critical shortage of pediatric cardiology specialists, with only 35 fellows trained annually, resulting in higher surgical risks for children with congenital heart conditions. Surgical mortality rates for these conditions in India range from 8% to 13%, significantly higher than the sub-5% rates seen in developed countries.
As India confronts this health crisis, the insights from the ‘Every Beat Counts’ report serve as a pressing call to action for healthcare policymakers and the public to prioritize intervention in cardiovascular health.
