BEING INDIAN IS RISKY FOR THE HEART

     

When it comes to the health of the heart, the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle acquires added significance in the South Asian context. Several studies have shown that South Asians are not only more predisposed to coronary artery disease, but are also struck by it at a younger age and report a more aggressive presentation. While high fat-low fiber diets and a sedentary lifestyle are largely to blame, upping risk are also a combination of metabolic and genetic factors.

For instance, Indians are predisposed to the metabolic syndrome, which is a constellation of lipid and non-lipid related risk factors of metabolic origin. Apart from being associated with insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, this syndrome leads to increased body fat, particularly in abdominal area. Abdominal obesity, where the fat is concentrated on the waist and stomach, is a stronger risk factor for heart disease than total obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI, calculated by squaring the square of your height in meters divided by your weight in kilos. A healthy BMI should be between 18 and 24.9).

Indians are also prone to Dyslipidaemia, or unhealthy lipid profile, that ups their chances of having a heart attack. Coronary risk exists even if their overall total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol is normal because they tend to have lower levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides.

Low-birth weight, where babies weigh lower than 2.5 kilos, is also a risk factor, say experts. "Babies who are underweight and have a short body length at birth are at higher risk of CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) and diabetes in adult life," says Dr. Philip Pool Wilson, of the Imperial College, UK. Lower levels of Vitamin B12 and Folate also raise levels of plasma Homocysteine, which is associated with higher risk of CAD (Coronary Artery Disease). "Prolonged cooking of vegetables is common in India and can destroy upto 90 percent of the folate content, so a modification in the dietary pattern can lower risk considerably," says the Brazil-based Mario Maranhao President of the World Heart Federation.

Several studies have also correlated infections to CAD (Coronary Artery Disease).

"Infections and inflammation are very common in the developing countries, and several studies indicate that the simultaneous presence of antibodies increases the risk of developing the disease," says Maranhao.

Since most of can do little about the genetic and environmental risk factors, making lifestyle changes seems the doable solution. "Exercise is the key, but sadly, few affluent Asians realize it," he says. So, pull out your trainers and save your life.

Hope you liked this blog!                                                                              

This blog is written by Dr. Bimal Chhajer (Best Heart Doctor New Delhi)