World Heart Day 2023: India's cardiac procedures on the rise; Reliance General Insurance survey highlights concern

To commemorate “World Heart Day”, Reliance General Insurance undertook a survey examining the trends and patterns of cardiac procedures in India. This study specifically honed in on Coronary Angiography (CAG) procedures, which play a crucial role in diagnosing and addressing coronary artery disease. The survey meticulously scrutinized CAG procedure data within the age groups of 19-35 and 36-45, spanning the years from 2018 to 2023.

The survey unearthed both intriguing and concerning insights. It became evident from the data that the volume of CAG procedures saw a substantial rise within both age brackets during the five-year span post the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, in the 19-35 age group, the total number of CAG procedures surged by an astounding 160.87 per cent from 2018-2019 to 2022-2023. Similarly, in the 36-45 age category, there was a notable increase of 102.99 per cent in the total number of CAG procedures from 2018-2019 to 2022-2023.

Additionally, the survey highlighted a gender imbalance in the utilization of CAG procedures. The data revealed that in both age groups, males were more likely to undergo CAG procedures than females. In the 19-35 age bracket, males constituted 73.91 per cent of the total CAG procedures in 2018-2019 and 78.33 per cent in 2022-2023. In the 36-45 age category, males accounted for 67.16 per cent of the total CAG procedures in 2018-2019 and 81.62 per cent in 2022-2023.

Reliance General Insurance's survey aligns with the conclusions of the recent World Health Organization report titled "Invisible Numbers: The True Scope of Noncommunicable Diseases and How to Address Them." The WHO report underscores the worldwide impact of cardiovascular diseases, which remain the foremost cause of global mortality, accounting for approximately 68.1 per cent of deaths (around 17.9 million).

The report underscores that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claim more lives worldwide than any other non-communicable diseases. Notably, 86 per cent of CVD-related deaths could have been averted or delayed through risk mitigation and treatment. The survey conducted by RGI reaffirms that India is grappling with a pressing issue of cardiovascular ailments, particularly coronary artery disease. The survey reveals a significant upswing in the number of Coronary Angiogram (CAG) procedures, employed for diagnosing and addressing coronary artery disease, across both the 19-35 and 36-45 age brackets from 2018 to 2023.

These patterns suggest that coronary artery disease is impacting India's youthful and productive demographic, which carries implications for the nation's social and economic development.

The RGI survey further reinforces the recommendations outlined in the WHO report, which posits that factors like stress, lifestyle choices, dietary habits, smoking, and genetic predisposition may contribute to the escalating prevalence of cardiac issues within these age cohorts. The survey advocates for the adoption of healthy behaviours, including regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, smoking cessation, and effective stress management, as crucial steps in mitigating the risk of heart disease.

Both the RGI survey and the WHO report stress the imperative need for heightened awareness and preventive measures aimed at combating coronary artery disease among India's younger and middle-aged populace. Additionally, they call for increased investment and concerted efforts from the government, the healthcare sector, civil society, and the private sector to address this burgeoning public health challenge.