70% of Mumbaiites prone to heart disease

About 70% of Mumbaiites in the age group of 30 to 40 years are prone to cardiovascular or heart diseases, according to a nationwide online survey released on Friday. The main reasons for this are low levels of good cholesterol and a high body mass index.

About 70% of Mumbaiites in the age group of 30 to 40 years are prone to cardiovascular or heart diseases, according to a nationwide online survey released on Friday. The main reasons for this are low levels of good cholesterol and a high body mass index.

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Conducted over three years by Saffolalife, a not-for-profit, and the Indian Public Health Association, the online survey was taken by 1.12 lakh Indians between 2010 and 2012 across 12 cities such as Mumbai (21,400), Delhi, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh.

Of all those surveyed, 63% were prone to heart diseases such as coronary blockages and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats).

“High dependence on processed and fried foods and a diet with few vegetables and whole grains make people vulnerable to CVD. Lack of physical activity is increasing the risk of heart disease,” said Salome Benjamin, senior dietician at BYL Nair Hospital.

The survey calculated a person’s heart age by considering health factors such as cholesterol levels, demographic details such as age and gender and lifestyle indices such as smoking habits, diet, and frequency of exercise among others.

“The survey implies that a significant percentage of the working population is at the risk of developing heart disease,” said Dr Akshay Mehta, consultant cardiologist, Nanavati Hospital, Juhu.