Heart attacks for those in 40s rise

Hyderabad: Heart attacks in those between 40 and 60 years have increased, according to the big data compilation that is being carried out by cardiologists from across the world. 

Presently, world estimates are driving the pattern of treatment and also preventive strategies, in India. Big data from hospitals in major Indian cities is currently being compiled so that the changes and trends in the Indian population can be tabulated. 

A series of epidemiological studies carried out in India as part of this indigenous data compilation, shows that the prevalence of coronary heart disease is between 7 and 13 per cent in urban areas and 2 and 7 per cent in rural areas. Epidemiology is the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations, and is used to formulate public health policies. 

These epidemiological studies also show that there are 30 million cases of heart diseases in the country, and that 50 per cent of Indians under 55 years suffer from heart attacks while 25 per cent of heart attacks occur under the age of 40.

Dr Rahul Potluri, senior cardiologist and researcher, says that this collection of data is now allowing doctors to decode the pattern and understand the age-groups which are at risk.

“The Indian population in the West, too, has shown a 20 per cent greater chronic total occlusion of heart blood vessels than seen in the local population,” he says. “The number of young Indians who are afflicted with heart problems abroad is also equally high. They are at a 30 per cent higher risk of diabetes than the Caucasian population.” 

 

The increasing burden of heart diseases is due to the prevalence of coronary risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, abdominal obesity, sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity.

Cardiologist Dr Shiv Shanker said that one of the most important causes of premature heart attacks in India is “familial hyper cholesterolemia.” 

“This is a genetic condition which leads to high cholesterol in the body. The body stores fat as it believes that it will have to starve some day. Due to this reason, the cholesterol levels are high. Studies have shown that heart attacks in younger patients are due to this reason,” he explains.

Dr Anand Agarwal, cardio-thoracic surgeon says, “A concentrated effort must be made to save young hearts.” 

While genetic disposition is a factor, he says, the lifestyle of the young has undergone a drastic change and due to their eating habits, lack of ability to burn out the fat, they are being affected much faster than expected. “In the productive age group, it is one of the most debilitating diseases as it leads to impairment for life,” Dr Agarwal said.