The death of veteran actor Nana Patekar at the age of 75 following cardiac arrest has brought renewed attention to a health concern that often receives attention only after a medical emergency. Heart disease is not always accompanied by obvious warning signs. In some cases, an underlying cardiovascular condition may remain undetected until a serious event occurs. This makes regular health checks and everyday lifestyle choices important, even for people who feel healthy.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies cardiovascular diseases as the world's leading cause of death. Its estimates show that these conditions caused around 19.8 million deaths worldwide in 2022. Many cardiovascular risks are linked to factors that can be managed, including high blood pressure, tobacco use, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. Rather than waiting for January 1 to make ambitious health resolutions, people can start with small changes today.
