India faces growing heart health crisis; only 35 pediatric cardiology fellows trained every year

New Delhi: In a recent study, BM Birla (BMB) Heart Hospital has revealed that India is facing a growing cardiac health crisis. Children, adolescents, and adults top the list.

Entitled ‘Every Beat Counts’, the report revealed that India now accounts for 20% of global heart attack deaths.

Approximately 90 million Indians currently live with cardiovascular conditions, while the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease (CVD) is relatively high, at 272 per 100,000 population, while the global average is 235.

Lack of cardiac pediatricians, a dearth of cardiologists, limited infrastructural facilities, and awareness add to the increasing caseload and burden on the healthcare system.

Regional divide in cardiac conditions

The report highlights a stark disparity between urban and rural areas, with 450 deaths per 1,00,000 population in urban areas and 200 deaths per 1,00,000 in rural areas.

A key report finding focuses on the prevalence of the "thin-fat" body type among Indians. This condition, where individuals maintain a normal or below-normal weight but carry a higher body fat percentage, increases cardiovascular risks.

24.5% of deaths in India are due to CVD

"Every Beat Counts" is the first comprehensive study by CK Birla Hospitals' BM Birla Heart Hospital. The report also provides insights and actionable strategies to address the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases across the country.

CVD accounts for 24.5% of all deaths in India with West Bengal and Punjab reporting high mortality rates of over 35% of deaths 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.

Burden on healthcare system

In India, there is one cardiologist for every 250,000 Indians, while in the United States, there is one cardiologist for every 7,300 Americans. The report also highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, greater access to specialized care, and enhanced public awareness to address the escalating cardiovascular crisis across all age groups.

A simple change in lifestyle including eating healthy foods, staying active, and reducing stress can drastically lower your risk of heart disease, with studies confirming that 93% of heart attacks are preventable.

Lack of pediatric cardiology specialists

The report points out the shortage of infrastructure and specialized care, resulting in higher surgical risks and long-term complications for children with congenital heart conditions.

Only 35 pediatric cardiology fellows are trained in India every year, and the surgical mortality rate for these conditions among children ranges from 8% to 13%, compared to less than 5% in developed countries.