The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Indians at higher risk of heart diseases, says expert

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Sunday, Feb 06, 2011
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Indians at higher risk of heart diseases, says expert

Staff Reporter

India appears set to achieve dubious distinction of becoming capital of heart diseases by 2020
Smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity and lifestyle changes act as the main reasons

HYDERABAD: Heart diseases in the country have assumed alarming proportions with an average Indian being at a much higher risk, said Apollo Hospitals senior cardiologist Sudhir Naik.

Talking to media persons after participating in the ‘Billion Hearts Beating' campaign organised by Apollo Hospitals here on Saturday, Mr. Naik predicted that the country appears set to achieve the dubious distinction of becoming the capital of heart diseases by the year 2020.

The campaign was taken up with an aim to raise awareness levels and drive positive action towards preventing heart diseases. He explained smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity and lifestyle changes act as the main reasons for increasing heart diseases.

“Prevention is the best way as treatment for heart problem is very expensive,” he said.

Plans have also been chalked out to educate school and college students on ill-effects of heart diseases and measures to be taken to prevent it.

Students' pledge

As part of the campaign, more than two lakh people, including students from 50 schools and colleges across the country, took a pledge stating that they would make smarter choices for heart health and fully support the cause.

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