50% of Indians are At Risk of a Heart Condition: Let’s Know More

World Heart Day, celebrated on 29th September, is observed to spread awareness about the heart, one of the most vital organs in our body. One’s heart is the muscle that pumps blood and oxygen to all the parts of the body, and that is why one must take care of one's heart. With time, there has been an increase in the number of cases of heart conditions.

Redcliffe Labs released a study on heart health on World Heart Day. The study indicated that almost half of the people tested in India showed some kind of abnormality in their hearts.

It’s quite chilling when you think about it.

The study performed by Redcliffe Labs evaluated over 2.4 lakh patients over six months, making this situation pretty alarming and needing urgent attention from people around the country. This study mentioned that increasing awareness is the key to fighting and preventing the rise in Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) in India.

What did the study show?

For the study, multiple heart health markers like Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, Hs Troponin 1, Hs CRP, and NT proBNP were analyzed. The study's findings show that approximately 1 in 2 people have shown abnormal results, out of which 52% are females and 47% are males. These people show abnormal heart conditions. 

These results only mean that heart conditions are not gender biased; they can impact anyone and everyone at any point in their life.

Read for comprehensive insights: Redcliffe Labs Reveals Nearly 50% Of Indians Show Abnormal Heart Health Indicators In New Study

Heart Abnormalities and Age:

The study also reveals trends connected to age, with women over 40 exhibiting the largest percentages of aberrant heart health indicators (around 60%), especially during or following menopause. 

Among men, a troubling pattern was observed in the younger population, with 48% of men over 26 displaying aberrant results. Men over 40 are even more at risk, with almost 52% showing abnormal outcomes. 

Males are more likely to develop cardiovascular risk factors early in life, which emphasizes the need for early detection and treatment.

How Prevalent are Cardiovascular Diseases?

There is a belief that cardiac conditions are an urban concept; however, this is not true. The study shows that heart conditions are not equally widespread in all regions. People need to care for their hearts irrespective of their age, gender, and geographical location.

While Tier 1 urban areas had slightly higher rates of abnormal test results at 51 percent, Tier 2, 3, and beyond regions followed closely with 48 percent. This demonstrates that heart health concerns are not limited by geography, and a broader, nationwide approach to awareness and preventive care is needed.

Aditya Kandoi, CEO & Founder of Redcliffe Labs, stressed the importance of addressing these findings, saying, “These results serve as a wake-up call for all of us. The data clearly shows that heart health risks are pervasive, affecting nearly half of those tested, regardless of demographics, including gender, age, or location. Individuals must take control of their health through regular screenings and proactive lifestyle choices.”

Kandoi also emphasized the need for women to be more proactive about heart health, as they are often less likely to undergo preventive screenings despite showing almost equal rates of abnormal results compared to men. “At Redcliffe Labs, we are committed to empowering every Indian with access to accurate and quality diagnostics that can lead to healthier, happier, and more productive lives,” he added.

The study points to the need for targeted public health initiatives focusing on heart health education and routine screenings across all demographics. With deranged results found in nearly half of the population, proactive health management becomes crucial in reducing cardiovascular risks.

Takeaway

Heart Conditions are common for everyone. They don’t discriminate between young and old, male and female, and can attack anyone. So, getting tested regularly is the way to go. Regular monitoring helps people know what is going on inside their bodies. If there are any issues in the body, the results help diagnose them, and one can take precautions and treat them accordingly. 

Let’s start talking more about our hearts so they can be kept well because they work hard to keep us well and going.