Mumbai: Four of 10 people in Mumbai between the age group 18 to 69 years are at a high risk of contracting cardiovascular disease, according to the WHO Step survey conducted by the BMC from August to December 2021.
A total of 5,199 adults participated in the survey (2,601 Men and 2,598 Women), of which 37 per cent of the respondents were reported having three or more risk factors of CVD which includes regular smoking, insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables per day, fewer physical activity, overweight, high BP and glucose. The survey also revealed that 7 of 10 Mumbaikars reported no fitness/sports-related physical activity in their daily routine.
Non communicable diseases
Non communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, Diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease, are the leading causes of death in the world, including India, killing more people each year than all other causes combined. NCDs caused an estimated 40 million deaths globally in 2016, accounting for 71% of all deaths worldwide. In India, this proportion was 61% in 2016 (an estimated 5.87 million deaths in 2016).
The key behavioural risk factors for NCDs include tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, high intake of salt, and insufficient physical inactivity. The key biological risk factors include overweight/obesity, raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, and raised blood cholesterol. Combatting these increasing trends of deaths due to NCDs through impactful strategies needs assessment of these risk factors.
Senior cardiologist from the private-run hospital said the citizens should take their lifestyle seriously and should eat healthy to avoid cardiovascular diseases considering the number of heart attacks has increased over the last two to three years. “The survey shows 7 of 10 mumbaikars have some factors of CVDs which is a matter of concern for people and BMC health department as it is an eye opener for everyone. The civic body needs to pull up their socks to reach out to people and create awareness related to healthy lifestyle,” he said.
The survey also revealed that around 94 percent of the respondents fell short of WHO recommendation that eating at least 400 g, or five portions/servings, of fruit and vegetables per day reduces the risk of NCDs. Around 21 percent of the respondents (1 in 5) were found to have raised total cholesterol higher than 190 mg/dl or are currently on medication for raised cholesterol.
Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Additional Municipal Commissioner said the study has revealed how Mumbaikars are suffering from non-communicable diseases which need special attention and people should re-think on a lifestyle they are following. Moreover they have started yoga centres for the benefit of citizens but still it is not getting good responses.
Yoga and exercise
“We urged citizens to do yoga at the civic-yoga centres or keep doing at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise to keep themselves healthy. Citizens above 30 years to screen themselves for Diabetes and Hypertension regularly at nearby BMC Health facilities.The patients having Diabetes and Hypertension to consult doctors and take regular medicine from Apla Dawakhana/ Dispensaries. Moreover people should stop consumption of Tobacco in any form,” he said.
(To receive our E-paper on WhatsApp daily, please click here. To receive it on Telegram, please click here. We permit sharing of the paper's PDF on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.)
