IIT Mandi study identifies key risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adults

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi researchers have conducted a study to identify the most significant risk factors that trigger cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among adults in India. The study was published in the journal titled 'Current problems in cardiology (Elsevier)- Impact factor: 16.464' and was authored by Ramna Thakur, an associate professor at IIT Mandi's school of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The institute analysed the data obtained from as many as 59,073 individuals aged 45 and above, belonging to both rural and urban parts of the country, a statement from the institute said.

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The study concluded that environmental exposure is the most prominent risk factor for the occurrence and progression of heart diseases among older adults in India. “A majority of the population of India resides in rural areas and uses unclean fuels for cooking and other purposes, exposing them to harmful smoke emitted from burning them. Second-hand smoke exposure, commonly referred to as passive smoking, is believed to have similar cardiovascular effects and risks comparable to active smoking,” it said

The study highlighted the other factors leading to CVDs prevailing among older adults, which included physical inactivity, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression and obesity. Sedentary lifestyle of people, adoption of fast food culture and urbanisation add to CVD woes among adults, the study said.

Measures to prevent heart diseases

Author of the study, Ramna Thakur said: "There are several traditional risk factors for CVDs, including systolic blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, obesity, unhealthy food, poor nutritional status, age, family history, physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol consumption. Additionally, exposure to air pollutants is another significant risk factor. We aimed to cluster these risk factors into different groups and identify the exclusive individual effect of each group on CVDs prevalence among adults aged 45 and above in India".

The study shed light on the measures that can be adopted to curb the spread of CVDs among older adults, which encompass promotion of cleaner technology such as liquefied petroleum gas, solar, electricity and biogas. Additionally, physical activity on a moderate level can leave a positive impact on middle and older age adults.