Rising heart issues warrant urgent need for proactive heart health monitoring: Experts

 India recorded 1.3 million to 4.6 million heart failure cases in 2022, signaling a growing burden. Dr. Durairaj emphasizes timely heart check-ups to prevent advanced heart failure, which severely impacts quality of life and daily activities.

Heart failure, linked to conditions like coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes, can progress despite treatment, limiting physical activity and affecting mental well-being. Key risk factors include age, family history, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, alcohol use, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

Regular cardiac exams, including cholesterol checks, blood pressure monitoring, stress tests, and electrocardiograms (EKGs), are recommended, especially for individuals in their 40s and 50s. Older adults should consider echocardiograms for comprehensive heart function assessment. Ongoing consultation with a cardiologist is crucial for those with a history of heart issues to prevent complications and support proactive heart health.