Rising Waist Hip Ratio, Obesity, and Hypertension Identified as Leading Causes of Cardiovascular Diseases in India
Alarming Statistics: CVDs Account for 24.8% of All Deaths in India
New research has revealed a concerning trend in India’s healthcare landscape, with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claiming a staggering 24.8% of all lives in the country. The Global Burden of Disease study has shed light on the urgency of addressing this issue. Moreover, the risk of CVDs is gradually increasing, particularly among the younger population. Experts are now attributing this rise to a combination of factors, including high Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), hypertension, and obesity, with women being especially vulnerable.
India Health Link and HEAL Foundation Collaborate on Study to Prevent Heart Diseases
In an effort to bring attention to the mounting evidence linking obesity, hypertension, and Waist Hip Ratio to CVDs in India, India Health Link (IHL) has joined forces with the HEAL Foundation. Together, they have conducted a comprehensive study on Preventing Heart Diseases in Youth, aiming to raise awareness about the early detection of CVDs through preventive screening.
Study Findings Highlight Prevalence of Hypertension and High WHR among Indian Population
The study, which involved 1599 participants from both hospitals and residential societies (RWAs), yielded significant findings. Out of the total respondents, 48% were either hypertensive or at risk, and 30% exhibited a high Waist Hip Ratio, indicating early signs of CVDs. Notably, women showed higher rates of obesity-related stress compared to men, with 80% of hypertensive women being obese or overweight, as opposed to 67% of men. Additionally, a striking 67% of women with hypertension had a high WHR, compared to only 28% of men.
Leading Cardiologists Advocate for Increased Awareness and Preventive Screening
Prominent cardiologists have emphasized the critical need for behavior change and regular preventive screening. Dr. H K Chopra, Sr. Consultant Cardiologist at Medanta Moolchand Heart Institute, stated that metabolic syndromes like obesity and hypertension are strongly associated with the risk of CVDs. The study has revealed Waist Hip Ratio as a significant indicator of early onset CVDs, warranting immediate attention.
Dr. Satyender Goel, Founder & CEO of India Health Link (IHL), underscored the correlation between Waist Hip Ratio, BMI, BP, and the rising incidence of CVDs in the younger population. He stressed the urgency of spreading awareness about preventive screening and the importance of utilizing portable digital preventive health screening devices, available in India.
