World Heart Day 2024: Medical Experts Collaborate on World Heart Day to Tackle Cardiovascular Challenges

New Delhi: As cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to rise in India, this year’s World Heart Day theme, "Use Heart for Action," emphasizes the need for greater awareness and early medical intervention to enhance heart health across the country.

Leading healthcare professionals gathered to discuss strategies and treatment options aimed at increasing awareness of heart conditions, particularly focusing on aortic stenosis (AS).

CVDs, which affect the heart and blood vessels, are a leading cause of death globally. Valvular heart diseases, especially aortic stenosis, play a significant role in increasing morbidity.

Aortic stenosis occurs when the valve between the left ventricle and the aorta narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. The condition becomes more prevalent with age, impacting 1% to 2% of people under 65 and nearly 29% of those over 65.

In India, the projected increase in the elderly population from 138 million to 194 million between 2021 and 2031 raises concerns about aortic stenosis. If left untreated, AS has a high mortality rate of 50% within two years, a figure that exceeds the mortality rate of many other heart conditions.

Dr Rajpal Abhiachand, Chairman and Head of the Department of Cardiology at G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital, Coimbatore, highlighted the need for early diagnosis: "For high-risk patients, such as those with a history of heart disease, regular screening is essential. By identifying the condition in its early stages, we can manage and monitor it before it becomes life-threatening. TAVI treatment has revolutionized the treatment landscape, offering a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery."

One of the main challenges in addressing aortic stenosis is the lack of significant early symptoms. Dr Haresh Mehta, Director of Interventional & Structural Heart at S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai, emphasized this point: "People often do not get diagnosed with aortic stenosis because the disease frequently lacks significant signs in its early stages, presenting only functional symptoms like fatigue that are often attributed to aging. However, as more noticeable symptoms emerge, quality of life can be severely hindered. It is crucial for both patients and healthcare systems to recognize these signals early. If addressed promptly, particularly with advanced measures such as TAVR/TAVI through trans-femoral access, patients can have excellent outcomes."

A preventive approach is crucial to reducing the impact of heart diseases. Dr Amit Chaurasia, Chief of Cathlab and TAVI Unit at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, stressed the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes: "We are now seeing more younger patients presenting with aortic stenosis, partly due to lifestyle factors and improved diagnostic methods. It is important to raise awareness not only about the risks but also to encourage regular heart screenings among the general population, especially for those with a family history of heart disease. This has been transformative, giving patients hope for a healthy life with minimal recovery time."

The expert panel concluded that improving patient outcomes hinges on early diagnosis and timely treatment. Timely intervention, including invasive procedures when necessary, can greatly improve patient quality of life. The discussion emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in heart health, urging individuals to focus on prevention through early identification of risk factors and proactive medical interventions.

This World Heart Day initiative serves as a reminder that cardiovascular health is a priority for everyone. By raising awareness, encouraging regular screenings, and promoting timely medical care, the goal is to reduce the burden of heart disease and improve outcomes for patients across India.