In recent times, the sudden rise in heart attacks, even among individuals with no prior symptoms and normal results from ECG, ECHO, and TMT tests, has become a significant cause for concern. Disturbing videos of people collapsing during routine activities like dancing, gaming, or exercising on treadmills have further fueled anxieties. India, with its population of hardworking individuals often grappling with smoking habits and high stress levels, has witnessed a sharp increase in cases of premature heart attacks and cardiac arrests.
Heart disease has emerged as the leading global cause of death, claiming over 17.9 million lives annually—approximately 50,000 every day. Alarmingly, 80-90% of heart attack patients arrive at hospitals only after the event occurs. India has the highest incidence of heart disease, with many individuals unknowingly living with 40-50% plaque blockage until a rupture causes a sudden heart attack. In some cases, people experience silent ischemia, where artery blockages as severe as 90-95% remain unnoticed due to minimal symptoms.
Now comes the big question: How do I know my heart is OK?
Key indicators of heart health include:
- Blood Pressure: Ideally, it should be below 120/80 mmHg.
- Cholesterol Levels: LDL should be under 100 mg/dL, while HDL should exceed 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women. Total cholesterol should remain below 200 mg/dL, Triglycerides Should be less than 150 mg/dL
- Heart Rate: A resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute is considered healthy.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): A BMI within the range of 18.5 to 24.9 is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
- Physical Activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week promotes heart health.
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports cardiovascular well-being.
- Blood Sugar Levels: Fasting Glucose <100 mg/dL and HbA1c <5.7% (non-diabetic).
- hs-CRP: <1 mg/L indicates low risk; >3 mg/L suggests high risk.
- Homocysteine Levels: High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) and Apolipoprotein B (Apo B): Identifies genetic risk for heart disease.
- Fibrinogen Test: Evaluates blood clotting ability. High fibrinogen increases the risk of thrombosis & heart attack.
- D-Dimer Test: Detects blood clots, which may indicate conditions like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, impacting cardiac health.
- Calcium Score Test: Measures calcium deposits in coronary arteries to assess heart attack risk.
- Echocardiogram (ECHO): Uses ultrasound to visualize heart structure and function.
- Treadmill Test (TMT): Assesses how the heart performs under physical stress.
- CT Coronary Angiography (CTA): Non-invasive imaging to detect plaque buildup in arteries.
- Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images of the heart for structural and functional analysis.
- Tobacco Use: Avoiding tobacco products and minimizing exposure to secondhand smoke are crucial for maintaining heart health.
- Stress Levels: Managing stress through exercise, relaxation techniques, and social support can benefit heart health.
- Family History: Being aware of a family history of heart disease and discussing it with a healthcare provider is essential, as it may increase your risk.
The first & most important thing is to meet your doctor, who will evaluate your heart on multiple factors.
How to be ascertained on heart condition?
- BP: Normal range
- Lipid Profile: Keep a check.
- HbA1C: Should be below 5.7%.
- Apo A1 and Apo B
- ECG: 6-monthly check.