DON’T MISS THE BEAT, ACT BEFORE HEART DISEASE STRIKES

Dr V Vinoth Kumar

On the occasion of World Heart Day, observed globally on September 29, CARE Hospital for urgent attention to the rising burden of heart disease in India.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming nearly 18 million lives annually. And, in India they account for over one in four deaths. Heart failure affects millions and a growing number of younger adults experience sudden cardiac events. The need for awareness and preventive action has never been greater.

Key risk factors for heart disease include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, lack of sleep, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption. All this leads to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Warning Signs

Warning signs such as chest pain, breathlessness, extreme fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or pain in the jaw, back, arms, or legs should never be ignored. Doctors emphasise that early detection through regular health check-ups and screenings can save lives. More so, among the younger population where silent risk factors often go unnoticed.

No longer aged

Heart disease is no longer confined to older adults. We are increasingly seeing young professionals and even college-going students come in with heart attacks. These are linked to stress, poor lifestyle, and unchecked risk factors. Awareness, prevention, and timely medical intervention are key to reversing this trend.

Once symptoms of heart failure or advanced heart disease develop, the quality of life deteriorates rapidly and the chances of survival reduce significantly. Further, in India, one in four patients with heart failure may not survive beyond the first year of diagnosis. Moreover, public education, regular screenings, and consistent adherence to treatment can make the difference between life and death.

The theme

This year’s World Heart Day theme, “Don’t Miss the Beat”, reinforces the importance of proactive heart care. This World Heart Day, we encourage everyone to prioritize their heart health.

Dr V Vinoth Kumar is Sr. Consultant Interventional Cardiologist,
CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad