Heart ailments, also known as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) encompass a group of disorders related to the heart and blood vessels including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and other conditions. According to World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs have emerged as the leading cause of death worldwide, causing an estimated 17.9 million fatalities in 2019. A startling statistic is that more than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, with a third of these premature deaths occurring in individuals under 70 years of age.
The economic burden of CVD in India alone stands at an astounding Rs 6 trillion annually. This grim reality underscores the need for attention to heart health, and particularly, the necessity of large-scale screening tests to predict and prevent heart ailments. The idea behind such screening or early detection tests is to identify individuals with probable disease and confirm it through another, typically more resource-intensive, test. In the case of heart diseases, mass screening helps identify potential risks in the early stages before any symptoms surface. This enables preventive measures to be implemented, thereby reducing the risk of future cardiac incidents.
Screening tests for heart ailments may include blood pressure measurements, cholesterol and lipid profile tests, ECGs (Electrocardiograms), among others. These tests help identify irregular heart rhythms, abnormalities in heart structure or function, or the risk of heart disease.
The Need for Heart Ailment Screening Tests
Given the high fatality rates associated with heart diseases, screening tests to detect any creeping risk factors or early signs are critical. These tests are especially needed considering that sudden artery blockages can lead to fatal heart attacks.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or irregular heart rhythms are some of the risk factors that can be identified through screening tests. Once identified, they can be controlled with lifestyle changes, medication, or other interventions, preventing their development into more severe forms of heart disease.
Challenges in Mass-Level Screening
While the benefits of mass screening are undeniable, there are associated challenges and risks. Firstly, there’s a risk of procedure and false labeling. For instance, stress ECGs used as a screening test in young asymptomatic patients can result in many false positives. Such false alarms result in unnecessary anxiety and additional unwarranted tests.
There’s also an increased risk and costs involved in further testing. Tests like stress echocardiography/radionuclide test and CT angiography, while more accurate, can yield false results, leading to unnecessary tests and additional costs. Moreover, a significant portion of the Indian population lacks access to these tests, and even where available, they can be prohibitively expensive.
India’s Initiative Against Heart Ailments
To combat the growing menace of CVDs, India has launched various initiatives. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM). Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal outlets have been opened to provide discounted cardiac drugs and implants to the patients. Jan Aushadhi stores have also been set up to supply generic medicines at affordable prices.
Additionally, the Maharashtra government launched the STEMI programme recognized by NHM in 2021 to allow rapid diagnosis of heart diseases.
The Way Forward
The use of modern medical tools should be limited to people who are at higher risk for ischemic heart disease. High-risk individuals can be screened for known contributory factors such as tobacco use, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and family history of early heart disease.
Promoting healthy habits among various age groups is the most effective approach for preventing cardiac deaths. Simple tests for known risk factors are cheap, widely available, and can be conducted during standard executive checkups at district hospitals. This proactive approach to heart health can play a key role in mitigating the colossal loss of lives due to heart ailments.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024