Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant global health challenge, constituting the leading cause of death worldwide. According to recent World Health Organization data, CVDs claim approximately 17.9 million lives annually, accounting for 32% of all global deaths. This burden is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where nearly 80% of these deaths occur. The economic impact of heart diseases is equally concerning, with healthcare costs and lost productivity creating substantial financial strain on both healthcare systems and families. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking continue to rise globally, further exacerbating this public health crisis.
Despite the severity of this situation, many cardiovascular events could be prevented through increased awareness and lifestyle modifications. However, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding heart disease symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures across different populations. This lack of awareness often leads to delayed medical intervention and poorer outcomes.
There is an urgent need to strengthen public health initiatives focused on heart disease awareness. Making an effort to create awareness around heart diseases, TOI organised a medithon which had distinguished experts and cardiologists in attendance.
Watch the
video hereFirst session: Heart diseases and youngstersDistinguished cardiologists Dr. Bhupesh Shah, Dr. Nakul Sinha, and Dr. Gurunath Parle shared insights on the concerning trend of cardiovascular disease among young adults. They focused on evidence-based prevention strategies and essential lifestyle modifications to promote heart health among younger populations.
Dr. Nakul Sinha, Dr. Nakul Sinha, Chairman Cardiology, MAX Hospital Lucknow emphasized the need to prioritize the health of young individuals, highlighting that heart disease in our country tends to develop 10-15 years earlier than in Western populations, as evidenced by multiple studies.
Dr. Bhupesh Shah, Interventional Cardiologist, Professor at SVP Hospital & HCG Hospital, Ahmedabad, addressed the impact of work-related stress, emphasizing the importance of balancing screen time with exercise.
Dr. Gurunath Parle, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Director, Ashwini Co-operative Hospital & Research Center, Solapur, discussed the connection between physical activity, brain function, and mental well-being, and their collective influence on heart health.
Second session: Strategies to prevent heart diseases : Know your numbersLeading cardiologists Dr. Rahul Gupta, Dr. Arindam Pande, and Dr. Amarpal Singh discussed critical health metrics that indicate cardiovascular wellness. They stressed how implementing sustainable lifestyle modifications can significantly enhance long-term heart health and reduce cardiovascular risks.
Dr. Rahul Gupta, Lead cardiologist & HOD at Apollo Hospitals & Director of Cardium Advanced Heart Care Center, Navi Mumbai, highlighted key habits for maintaining a strong and healthy heart, focusing on the "6Es"—exercise, eating habits, emotional well-being, adequate sleep, and monitoring key health indicators.
Building on this, Dr. Arindam Pande, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Medica Super Specialty Hospital, Mukundapur emphasized the impact of dietary habits, noting that unlike other species, humans alter their eating patterns every decade. This shift can challenge the body's ability to adapt, making it essential to understand how new dietary trends affect overall health.
Dr. Amarpal Singh, Consultant Cardiologist, Synergy Institute of Medical Sciences, Ballupur, Dehradun, underscored the significance of weight as a modifiable risk factor. He explained that excess weight places additional strain on the heart and increases the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure.
Third session: Heart disease in women: The known and the unknownDistinguished cardiologists Dr. M Lawrence Jesuraj and Dr. Tarun Dave presented vital insights on gender-specific cardiovascular disease manifestations in women. They addressed the unique symptoms, risk factors, and critical importance of early intervention specific to women's heart health for optimal medical outcomes.
Dr. M. Lawrence Jesuraj, Consultant Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, Division of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology, Kovai Medical Center and Hospitals, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, discussed the evolving landscape of women's heart health, sharing valuable insights and highlighting the limited awareness of heart disease among women.
Dr. Tarun Dave, Sr. Interventional Cardiologist, Director Cardiovascular Service, VIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad echoed concerns about the lack of awareness, not just among women but men as well. He emphasized how ignoring symptoms and delaying medical attention can significantly worsen heart conditions.
Fourth session: Managing heart diseaseEsteemed cardiologists Dr. Aditya Batra and Dr. Hari Om Tyagi shared comprehensive guidance on cardiovascular disease management strategies. They focused on evidence-based approaches to optimize heart health and enhance quality of life for individuals living with cardiac conditions.
Dr. Aditya Batra, Chief Interventional Cardiologist, Holy Heart Advanced Cardiac Care & Research Centre, Rohtak, Haryana, emphasized the importance of accurately identifying the type of heart disease a person has. He highlighted the role of primary, secondary, and advanced treatments in managing heart conditions.
Dr. Hari Om Tyagi, Director & Head - Dept of Cardiology, Lokpriya Heart Center, Lokpriya Hospital, Meerut, UP discussed the critical need for recognizing heart attack symptoms. He noted that chest discomfort, though commonly associated with heart attacks, occurs in less than 50% of cases. Other key symptoms include breathlessness, lightheadedness, and pain in the shoulders, jaw, or abdominal region.
Raising awareness about heart disease is crucial for early detection, prevention, and timely treatment. Educating people on risk factors, symptoms, and lifestyle changes can reduce mortality rates. Awareness empowers individuals to adopt heart-healthy habits, seek medical help promptly, and ultimately improve overall heart health in communities worldwide.
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