In the bustling streets of India, where the aroma of spices mingles with the cacophony of daily life, there's a silent epidemic that's been steadily on the rise - cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Nearly 30% of Indians succumb to CVDs, a figure alarmingly higher than the global average of 17%. What's more concerning is the early onset of these diseases among Indians, with a significant impact on the productive age group of 40-69 years. As a cardiologist and an avid yoga practioner of 50 years, I've witnessed first-hand the escalating burden of CVDs and the pivotal role yoga can play in heart health.
The rising tide of cardiovascular diseasesIndia is grappling with a high prevalence of CVDs, responsible for 27% of all deaths. Factors like hypertension, diabetes, and central obesity, dyslipidaemia, and lifestyle choices are the culprits behind this growing menace. Hypertension, for instance, affects one in four Indians over 18 and contributes to 10.8% of all deaths. The interplay of these risk factors is setting the stage for a doubled CVD burden by 2025.
