20% of world's heart attack deaths now occur in India, says BM Birla Hospital report on cardiac health crisis

BM Birla Heart Hospital (BMB), part of CK Birla Hospitals, has launched what is said is a first of its kind report on India’s cardiac health – ‘Every Beat Counts’, shedding light on the cardiac health crisis and offering valuable insights and actionable strategies to address the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) across the country.

The prevalence of coronary heart disease in India has risen 3X over the past three decades.

According to the ‘Every Beat Counts’ report, 20% of heart attack deaths worldwide now occur in India. The report presents alarming statistics, revealing that approximately 90 million Indians currently live with cardiovascular conditions.

Furthermore, the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in India stands at 272 per 100,000 population, exceeding the global average of 235. Notably, this mortality rate varies significantly between urban and rural areas; it is reported to be 450 in urban India and 200 in rural India.

The report also emphasizes the high prevalence of the "thin-fat" body type among Indians, which is characterized by a normal or below-normal weight but with a higher body fat percentage, resulting in increased cardiovascular risks.

Cardiovascular diseases account for 24.5% of all deaths in India. Alarmingly, states such as West Bengal and Punjab report mortality rates in which over 35% of deaths are attributed to heart disease.

"Our inaugural ‘Every Beat Counts’ report underscores the urgent need for a national strategy to address this worsening crisis. By publishing this report annually, we aim to promote sustained awareness and encourage collective action toward building a healthier nation,” said Vipul Jain, CEO, CK Birla Hospitals.

The report indicates that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading concern within the health landscape, placing an increasingly heavier burden on India’s healthcare system each year. India faces significant challenges regarding healthcare infrastructure and access, especially in the area of cardiac care. The country has one cardiologist for every 250,000 Indians, in stark contrast to the United States, where there is one cardiologist for every 7,300 Americans.

Leveraging the expertise of B M Birla Heart Hospital, the report highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, greater access to specialized care and enhanced public awareness to address the escalating cardiovascular crisis in India across all age groups.

CVD is increasingly impacting younger populations, including children, with 10% of infant mortality in India now linked to heart diseases.

The report points out a critical shortage of infrastructure and specialized care, resulting in higher surgical risks and long-term complications for children with congenital heart conditions. India trains only 35 paediatric cardiology fellows each year, and the surgical mortality rate for these conditions among children in India ranges from 8% to 13%, compared to less than 5% in developed countries.