Coronary heart disease behind 3 lakh deaths in UP annually

Lucknow: The prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in India now accounts for 15.8 lakh deaths annually, including around 3 lakh in UP only, with the number of cases tripling over the past three decades.

The issue was discussed threadbare at the conference of the Cardiological Society of India which was held in the city recently.

Dr Rajeev Gupta, a Jaipur-based cardiologist, said CHD has become one of the major causes of death in the country in recent years. According to recent health studies, premature deaths, especially among individuals under 60, have risen by 85 per cent since 1990. Dr Gupta attributed this trend to a combination of urbanisation, lifestyle changes, and genetic predispositions. He explained that rapid urbanisation has led to greater consumption of calorie-dense diets, reduced physical activity, and increased sedentary behavior, all contributing to obesity and other cardiometabolic risks.

Prof Rishi Sethi from KGMU cardiology department said that in addition to lifestyle-related risks, conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and stress have emerged as significant contributors to CHD. He also pointed out regional factors, such as a higher prevalence of elevated lipoprotein (a) and metabolic syndrome, which further increase the burden of CHD in South Asia.

Prof Satyendra Tiwari from SGPGIMS highlighted findings from global and regional studies, including INTERHEART and PURE, showing that poor dietary habits and high rates of tobacco use are critical factors driving the rise in CHD cases. Healthcare experts at the conference also discussed challenges in addressing CHD, pointing out disparities in access to preventive care and healthcare services. Limited awareness of modifiable risk factors and socioeconomic barriers further complicate efforts to manage the disease effectively.

To tackle this public health challenge, experts recommended a multi-pronged approach. This includes promoting healthier lifestyles, better management of conditions like diabetes and cholesterol, and adopting preventive strategies such as the use of polypills, which combine multiple medications into a single pill, simplifying treatment regimens and improving adherence.