Experts at ASSOCHAM Summit Highlight Air Pollution's Impact on Heart Health

New Delhi: Air pollution is not just a respiratory concern but a significant contributor to heart disease, experts warned at the ‘Illness to Wellness’ Summit organized by the ASSOCHAM Foundation for CSR under the aegis of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). On the first day of the summit, leading medical professionals emphasized the urgent need to recognize air pollution as a major cardiovascular risk factor.

Dr Sandeep Bansal, Medical Superintendent, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, underscored the dangers posed by Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5, which can enter the bloodstream and transform cholesterol into oxidized cholesterol, leading to plaque ruptures and acute heart attacks. "Imagery showing people coughing in air pollution has led to the common perception that it only causes lung diseases. However, we need to understand that the effect of air pollution on heart health is extremely important. Air pollution kills by way of cardiovascular diseases," said Dr Bansal.

Highlighting research conducted at his institution, he added, "A rise of 0.5 in particulate matter over the preceding week is linked to an increase in heart attack cases. There is significant ongoing research in the country focused on this issue. However, the key now is to collaborate and explore effective solutions, including finding ways to prevent air pollution and, in turn, improve cardiovascular health."

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Manoj Nesari, Advisor, Ministry of Ayush, lauded ASSOCHAM’s efforts in health awareness. "I commend them for taking this message to schools and especially to children because they are the citizens of tomorrow. Today, India is a young nation, but in 30 to 35 years, we will have the largest number of senior citizens," he stated. Dr Nesari emphasized the need to integrate modern medicine with Ayurveda for holistic healthcare.

"Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is not just a political slogan; it also means wellness for all—body, mind, and soul. We need to integrate different medical systems. For instance, iron deficiency in India is widespread, affecting 40% of the population, especially women and children. Often, it is not due to lack of intake but poor absorption in the gut. To address this, we introduced a natural, edible formulation in Belgaum, which significantly reduced iron deficiency from 34% to just 2.2% within a year. This initiative has now expanded to aspirational districts under Mission Utkarsh," he explained.

Welcoming the delegates, Mr Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, reflected on the 'Illness to Wellness' campaign launched in 2014. "Over the past decade, this initiative has gained significant traction, raising awareness on various health topics. Moving forward, our focus areas will include sanitation, hygiene, gut health, leveraging technology for preventive healthcare, tackling air pollution, and fostering collaborations between health-focused organizations," he said.

Mr Rajput also praised government initiatives such as Fit India, Khelo India, Yoga propagation, POSHAN Abhiyan, and Eat Right India, which are laying a strong foundation for a healthier India. "With a clearly defined roadmap, we are on our way to building a well-informed society capable of tackling future health challenges," he noted.

Dr Manoj Kumar Jha, Additional Medical Superintendent, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences & Dr RML Hospital, also commended the role of ASSOCHAM and the industry in spreading awareness.

"The government has launched the Fit India Movement to promote physical activity among youth, shifting them away from electronic gadgets. The Eat Right India Movement encourages healthy eating habits, and recently, the Prime Minister advocated for a 10% reduction in oil consumption. Small lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and preventive healthcare can help build a wellness-focused society," he stated.

The ASSOCHAM Awareness Summit gathered over 50 distinguished specialists and wellness professionals from across India. Over 11 sessions, the experts discussed key health topics, including women’s health at all ages, mental and brain health, chronic diseases among the elderly, ancient wisdom for modern wellness, lifelong heart health strategies, and air pollution’s impact on overall well-being.

Since its inception in 2014, the 'Illness to Wellness' campaign has worked towards empowering, educating, and promoting sustainable health practices through conferences, awareness drives, and regular webinars. With a strong focus on prevention, the initiative aims to create a healthier, more informed society in the years to come.