About 72 per cent of the Indian population is susceptible to cardio-vascular diseases, revealed a nationwide online survey. It was further found that about 63 per cent of the population in the age groups of 30-40 also stand the risk of CVD.
In a city-wise analysis, it was found that about 70 per cent Mumbaikars are vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases. The CVD contributor or primary cause for CVD in Mumbai is lack of physical activity and inability to maintain good cholesterol. In Kolkata the primary cause was found to be smoking. Ahmedabad was found to be the worst with regard to physical activity and consumption of fruits. Delhi and Chandigarh top the obese and overweight chart with maximum respondents having high BMI.
The online survey tests were answered by 1.12 lakhs people across 12 cities in India and has with data collated between 2010 to 2012. Saffolalife, a non-profit initiative and the Indian Public Health Association (IAPH), conducted the survey.
“The survey implies that a significant percentage of the productive population is at risk of developing heart diseases,” said Dr Akshay Mehta, consultant cardiologist, Nanavati Hospital, Juhu.
The survey attempts to calculate the heart age of a person by considering health-related inputs such as cholesterol levels, demographic details such as age and gender, and lifestyle indices such as smoking habits, diet, frequency of exercise or physical activity among others.
“High dependence on processed and fried foods, devoid of vegetables, whole grains make people vulnerable to heart diseases,” said Salome Benjamin, senior dietician at BYL Nair Hospital, Bombay Central.