Cardiovascular disease is increasingly affecting people across age groups, with sedentary lifestyles, tobacco exposure, unhealthy diets, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, stress and inadequate sleep contributing to cardiovascular risk.
Pollution Adds to Cardiovascular Risk
Air pollution is also an important concern. A study estimated that 10,880 deaths in Mumbai were attributable to PM2.5 exposure in 2015, with ischaemic heart disease accounting for about 33.3% of PM2.5-attributable mortality. More recent research across 10 Indian cities found that a 10 µg/m³ increase in short-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 1.4% increase in daily mortality.
“Heart disease is no longer a condition that can be viewed primarily through the lens of age. We are increasingly seeing the importance of identifying cardiovascular risk much earlier, particularly among individuals with multiple risk factors,” said Dr. Ashish Mishra, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.
Shift Towards Risk-Based Prevention
Dr. Mishra noted that hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia can remain silent while progressively affecting the cardiovascular system. Therefore, preventive cardiology should focus on individual risk assessment, including personal and family history, metabolic health and lifestyle, rather than relying only on symptoms.
As per the press release, Dr. Anand Ram, Consultant Cardiologist, Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, also urged people not to ignore sudden or persistent chest discomfort, breathlessness, unusual sweating, fatigue or palpitations, as these may indicate an underlying cardiac problem.
Early Detection and Prevention
Experts recommend regular health checks, physical activity, a heart-healthy diet, adequate sleep and effective management of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Early risk identification and timely intervention can help reduce the cardiovascular burden before symptoms appear.