Heart disease has become one of the leading causes of death in India, contributing significantly to the country’s health burden. Unlike in the West, Indians are increasingly exposed to heart risk at a younger age, often a decade earlier.
This alarming trend is driven by a combination of genetic predisposition, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors, creating an urgent need for greater awareness and proactive risk management. Let’s read further to understand the most common reasons for increasing heart disease.
Let’s learn the common contributors, management, and treatment steps that align with insurance policy approaches that could help you in a moment of distress.
Common Contributors to Heart Disease
Not so surprisingly, Hypertension and diabetes are two of the most significant contributors to heart disease in India. These conditions are widespread, particularly in urban areas, where sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets are common.
Rising obesity levels, especially abdominal obesity, further compound the risk. Coupled with increasing rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, these factors form a dangerous cocktail that elevates cardiovascular disease prevalence.
The urbanisation of Indian lifestyles has also brought about a sharp decline in physical activity and an increase in the consumption of processed and calorie-dense foods. Such habits not only contribute to obesity but also amplify risks associated with high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Stress, often overlooked, is another critical factor. Chronic stress, compounded by demanding work environments and financial pressures, can significantly impact heart health over time.
The health impact of India’s toxic air is quantifiable and catastrophic. Air pollution is now considered a leading risk factor for death and disability in the country, on par with rivals like smoking and hypertension.
Estimates of the death toll are staggering. One comprehensive review attributes approximately 1.27 million deaths per year in India to air pollution, with half of these—around 635,000 deaths—being the direct result of pollution’s cardiovascular effects. A 2019 analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study places the figure even higher, at 1.67 million total deaths attributable to air pollution in India, with 0.98 million of those from ambient (outdoor) air pollution. This means that nearly one million Indians may be dying each year from heart disease and stroke caused by the air they breathe.
The relationship between pollution levels and risk is dose-dependent. Multiple studies have demonstrated a 0.3% to 15% increase in cardiovascular mortality for every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 concentration. This risk is not just a long-term threat; it is an immediate one. A major international study found that exposure to high levels of air pollutants can trigger the onset of a heart attack within a single hour.
Beyond triggering acute events, long-term exposure is a primary driver of chronic cardiovascular conditions. Sustained exposure to PM2.5 is definitively associated with an increased risk of developing incident hypertension and incident stroke. One powerful longitudinal study found that long-term exposure to polluted air increased the risk of developing hypertension by a factor of 1.5.
Heart disease treatment and management
The key to managing heart disease lies in prevention and early detection. Regular health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels can help catch potential issues before they escalate.
Prevention is always better than a cure. The same is the case with heart disease treatment. For individuals already at risk, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, engaging in regular physical activity, and quitting smoking.
For those managing conditions like hypertension or diabetes, adhering to prescribed medications and treatment plans is vital to mitigate complications.
Smart insurance for heart patients
Financial preparedness is another crucial aspect of managing heart disease risk. The costs associated with treatment, from medications to surgeries, can be overwhelming. Hence, insurance for heart patients is non-negotiable.
Comprehensive health insurance that includes coverage for critical illnesses such as heart disease is indispensable. Leveraging technology, such as insurance portfolio management apps, can ensure policies are up-to-date, benefits are well-understood, and claims processes are seamless.
Save your heart today
Raising awareness about heart disease and its risk factors is the first step toward addressing this pressing health issue. By staying informed and adopting proactive health and financial strategies, individuals and families can reduce their vulnerability to heart disease and ensure a more secure future.
Heart health is not just about managing risks; it’s about making informed choices that lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
At CoverSure, we help you manage these risks effectively. Try our Risk Score Calculator that offers personalised insights.
