New Delhi: India houses around three crore heart patients and two lakh surgeries are performed in it every year. The nation is viewed as the cardiac capital, with the highest number of heart disease cases, in the world.
It is common belief that cardiovascular diseases mainly occur due to smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension or stress. However, an expert says the reality is that genetic factors prove to be among the major determinants of heart diseases among individuals.
Research has identified at least 67 places within human DNA that can increase the chances of developing heart disease. Within each one, you can inherit one, two or no copies of these genes.
As the numbers of copies of the genes you have add up, the risk for developing heart disease adds up too.''Life contains no guarantees. Even if you live a healthy lifestyle, you can still develop heart problems if you have been born with genes that make you vulnerable.
''Genetics play a critical role to determine the possibility of cardiovascular diseases. It is important that the family history be shared with the doctors, which would essentially include if either of the parents had cardiac issues or suffered heart attack or stroke,'' says physician Dr Vanita Arora.
''The risk of heart disease has a strong link to family history. ''Some conditions that lead to heart disease result from single or multiple genetic changes including disorders in heart's muscles, electrical rhythms or the tendency to build up plaques from high cholesterol in the blood,'' she said.Regular screening and remedial actions, she affirms, are the only way to keep heart up and doing.
Increased physical activity and fitness can lower the likelihood of cardiovascular disease in the future.''Once the family history is determined, the assessment of heart can begin early in today's world,'' suggests Dr Arora.She further explains how knowing individual genetic risk profile encourages behaviour changes or a willingness to explore treatment options.
''Everybody should know their family history. If your father had a heart attack in his 50s or your mother had an episode in her 60s then your risk is nearly doubled. However, you can reduce this risk by lifestyle changes and speaking to your doctor about the possibility of medications to treat cholesterol or hypertension.It could save your life,'' she said.
Dr Arora said,''Additionally, in case your ECG reveals certain abnormalities, especially with electrical system of your heart, preventive measures such as implanting cardioverter defibrillator, can save a person. The idea is to be proactive and getting an early diagnosis. One should look out for signs of fluttering heartbeats and abnormal cardiac rhythm.'' (UNI)