Age is just a number: Research says millennials face more heart disease symptoms than older adults
Almost 77% agree that lifestyle changes can help heart health.
By Glynda Alves, ET Bureau |
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ManipalCigna Health Insurance, a joint venture between U.S. based global health service leader, Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI), and Manipal Group and TTK Group revealed in the 360 Well-Being survey 2019, that millennials experience significantly more heart symptoms than older age groups. 23% of millennials have experienced symptoms that may indicate potential heart problems in the past 6 months compared to 17% of those aged 50+. Almost 77% agree that lifestyle changes can help heart health but 1 in 6 have not done anything about it.
In a country like India with a population of more than 135 crore, about 50% of its population are below the age-group of 25, and more than 65% below the age-group of 35. It’s an alarming situation for the nation that needs to be addressed.
Low Awareness on Heart Health
When questioned as to whether respondents knew their own Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure numbers, India fared better than the global average showing an awareness of heart health indicators. 61% know their BMI (compared to 51% globally) and 76% know their blood pressure compared to 66% globally.
However, they are aware of an average of 2.2 symptoms that may indicate potential heart problems compared to the global average of 2.4. Even worse, in the past six months, respondents experienced an average number of 2.3 symptoms compared to 1.8 globally. 1 in 3 people don’t think high blood pressure is curable with lifestyle change suggesting a gap in heart health education while only 38% of respondents use wearables to track and manage heart health.
A High Rise
A major finding of concern is that India has witnessed an alarming rise in the occurrence of heart disease and stroke in the past 25 years. Thus it is extremely worrying that despite the fact that millennials are BMI-aware and have a good perception of their physical wellness, their ever-increasing exposure to stress and perhaps their complacency when it comes to seeking professional help is detrimental to their health.
In India, half of all reported heart attacks are caused due to cardiovascular diseases in people under the age of 50, and 25% of those occur in people below 40. The population of cardiovascular patients is rising rapidly, and the disease is afflicting younger people at their peak. While a disease can be pathologically detected and treated at any stage, prevention really is key. Over the last few years, there has been a revival of interest in alternate methods of fitness and well-being accompanied by correction of diet and lifestyle. This approach has a positive impact on the body, and helps prevent major heart diseases.
On World Heart Day, Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman & Managing Director of Medanta, The Medicity (Gurugram) shares tips to follow for a healthy heart.
In a country like India with a population of more than 135 crore, about 50% of its population are below the age-group of 25, and more than 65% below the age-group of 35. It’s an alarming situation for the nation that needs to be addressed.
Low Awareness on Heart Health
When questioned as to whether respondents knew their own Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure numbers, India fared better than the global average showing an awareness of heart health indicators. 61% know their BMI (compared to 51% globally) and 76% know their blood pressure compared to 66% globally.
However, they are aware of an average of 2.2 symptoms that may indicate potential heart problems compared to the global average of 2.4. Even worse, in the past six months, respondents experienced an average number of 2.3 symptoms compared to 1.8 globally. 1 in 3 people don’t think high blood pressure is curable with lifestyle change suggesting a gap in heart health education while only 38% of respondents use wearables to track and manage heart health.
A High Rise
A major finding of concern is that India has witnessed an alarming rise in the occurrence of heart disease and stroke in the past 25 years. Thus it is extremely worrying that despite the fact that millennials are BMI-aware and have a good perception of their physical wellness, their ever-increasing exposure to stress and perhaps their complacency when it comes to seeking professional help is detrimental to their health.
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On World Heart Day, Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman & Managing Director of Medanta, The Medicity (Gurugram) shares tips to follow for a healthy heart.
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