34% hike in heart disease-related deaths in India, says specialist

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 1 

Of the estimated population of more than 1.30 billion in India, about 45 million people suffer from heart ailments (coronary artery disease), which gives the country an odd distinction of having highest number of cases of cardiovascular disease in the world. 

 This was stated by interventional cardiologist, Dr H K Bali, chairman of the cardiac sciences at a superspecialty hospital in Panchkula here today.

Dr Bali was interacting with mediapersons at a press meet held to give details about Panchkula’s first center of excellence for cardiac sciences. 

Warning that India may turn into world capital of coronary artery diseases, Dr Bali said, “Heart disease has escalated among the younger generation with a significant risk in both males and females.” 

“A number of young Indians suffer from coronary artery disease owing to their poor lifestyle. And if this continues the future looks even more dangerous,” he added. 

“Till a decade ago, doctors hardly came across young patients with heart problems. Now, we get many cases where people in the 25 to 35 years age group are diagnosed with heart disease.” he added.

Talking about the global scene in this context, he said, “In India heart diseases related deaths have risen by 34 per cent in last 26 years. On contrary, the death rate due to cardiovascular issues has declined significantly by 41 per cent in the United States from 1990 to 2016.”