Heart Disease – India’s No. 1 Killer
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in India, accounting for 28% of all deaths. Indians are genetically at higher risk and develop heart disease a decade earlier than Western populations. At Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi, we emphasise heart disease prevention.
Major Risk Factors
- Non-modifiable: Age, male sex, family history, South Asian ethnicity
- Modifiable: Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, stress, unhealthy diet
Prevention Strategies
Quit Smoking
Smoking doubles heart disease risk. Quitting reduces risk to near-normal within 5 years.
Control Blood Pressure
Target BP below 130/80 mmHg. Take medications as prescribed consistently.
Manage Cholesterol
LDL target below 100 mg/dL (below 70 for high-risk individuals). Statins if lifestyle insufficient.
Control Blood Sugar
HbA1c below 7%. Both high and low blood sugar damage blood vessels.
Heart-Healthy Diet
- Mediterranean/DASH diet principles
- Omega-3 rich foods (fish, walnuts, flaxseed)
- Reduce salt, saturated fat, trans fat
- 5 servings fruits and vegetables daily
Regular Exercise
150 minutes moderate aerobic activity weekly. Walking 10,000 steps/day. Strength training 2x/week.
Stress Management
Chronic stress increases cortisol and blood pressure. Yoga, meditation, adequate sleep (7-8 hours).
Heart health screening at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042.
