Cardiovascular disease(CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in India, and also of a significant amount of lost productivity, while accounting for a major portion of health care expenditure. The Indian population is particularly susceptible to heart disease due to genetic predisposition, lifestyle aspects and the high prevalence of risk factors like hypertension, diabetes and obesity. The tendency for physical inactivity exacerbates the cardiovascular health crisis.There was a spate of fatalities due to cardiovascular issues in the recent past - 46-year-old TV actor Siddhaanth Vir Surryavansh (seen in Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti),Sagar Pandey, Salman Khan’s body double, Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai! actor Deepesh Bhan, and 27-year-old Sourabh Meena who was preparing for the UPSC exam, to name a few. Sqn Ldr Cheshtha Shankar, an ex-Air Force officer-turned fitness trainer, says physical inactivity is a major concern in India, with sedentary lifestyles becoming increasingly common due to urbanisation,technological advancements and changes in dietary habits. These factors contribute to the rising incidence of obesity, diabetes and hypertension, which are significant risk factors for heart disease.Engaging in regular exercise has been proven to have numerous benefits for cardiovascular health, he says, including:
â- Improved Cardiac Function: Regular aerobic exercise strength-ens the heart muscle, enhances cardiac output, and improves overall heart function. This leads to increased circulation and oxygen supply to vital organs, reducing the risk of cardiac events.
â- Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise helps reduce blood pressure, thus alleviating hypertension, a significant risk factor for CVD. It also enhances the flexibility of blood vessels, reducing strain on the heart and enhancing overall vascular health.
â- Weight Management: Physical activity aids in weight control and body fat reduction, promoting healthier body mass index (BMI) levels. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential in mitigating the risk of heart disease.
â- Improved Lipid Profile: Regular exercise helps raise high-density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol levels(good cholesterol) and lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol), which supports better lipid profile management.
â- Blood Glucose Regulation: Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood glucose levels, making it an essential preventive measure for diabetes-related cardiovascular complications.
â- Stress Reduction: Exercise is an effective stress-relieving activity that positively impacts mental health. Stress reduction is crucial,since chronic stress can con-tribute to heart disease risk.
INTEGRATING EXERCISE INTO LIFESTYLE
Sqn Ldr Cheshtha says comprehensive strategies at multiple levels are required to promote physical activity, including:
â- Public Awareness Campaigns: Government and healthcare organizations should initiate mass awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of exercise and its role in reducing heart disease risk.
â- Educational Programmes: Schools and colleges should include physical education classes and extracurricular activities in their overall syllabuses, to instill healthy exercise habits from an early age.
â- Workplace Wellness Initiatives: Employers can implement workplace wellness programmes, providing opportunities for physical activity during breaks and organizing fitness events.
â- Infrastructure Development: Creating safe and accessible public spaces, parks, and recreational facilities can encourage people to engage in outdoor physical activities. A collaborative endeavour among policymakers, healthcare professionals and ordinary citizens is essential to seamlessly integrate exercise into daily regimens, there-by enhancing cardiovascular health and holistic welfare. Only through such cohesive endeavours can India move towards a healthier populace with better cardiovascular condition
