Premature mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) has decreased by 50% within a generation in several countries, a feat that India could potentially replicate within the next 25 years. This possibility was emphasized by Prof. D. Prabhakaran, Executive Director of the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, during the 76th Annual Conference of the Cardiological Society of India held in Lucknow.
During his Dr. BC Roy oration, Prof. Prabhakaran highlighted the critical role of early detection and effective management of hypertension and diabetes, along with the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). He anticipated that advancements in healthcare would lead to heart attacks becoming more prevalent among older individuals, thereby helping to lower the rate of premature deaths.
He emphasized that these changes can only be achieved through improvements in public health policies, such as raising awareness, enhancing the management of hypertension and diabetes, promoting healthier diets and increased physical activity, and enforcing stricter tobacco control measures.
He also advocated for innovative approaches like electronic decision support systems and task-shifting strategies to manage hypertension effectively, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of environmental factors, including air pollution and extreme weather conditions, in worsening health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and lipid imbalances. To tackle these challenges, he underscored the importance of building the capacity of primary care physicians to deliver better healthcare services.
Current Landscape of Cardiovascular Disease in India
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in India, accounting for approximately 27% of all deaths. Notably, a significant proportion of these deaths occur prematurely, affecting individuals under the age of 70. The rising prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, and sedentary lifestyles has exacerbated the burden of CVD in the country.
Strategies for India
To emulate these successes, India must adopt a multifaceted strategy:
- Policy Implementation: Enforce regulations to curb tobacco use, promote healthy diets, and encourage physical activity.
- Healthcare Access: Ensure that preventive and curative cardiovascular services are accessible and affordable across all regions, including rural and underserved areas.
- Public Awareness: Launch nationwide campaigns to educate the public about CVD risk factors and the importance of early detection and lifestyle modifications.
- Research and Innovation: Invest in research to develop context-specific interventions and leverage technology for better disease management.
Role of the Cardiological Society of India
The csi plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by:
- Professional Training: Enhancing the skills of healthcare providers through continuous medical education and specialized training programs.
- Guideline Development: Formulating evidence-based guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of CVD.
- Advocacy: Collaborating with government agencies to influence health policies and allocate resources for CVD control.
