Lifestyle changes can lower heart disease risk in India

Heart disease is a major health issue in India, with non-communicable diseases causing 67.6% of deaths in 2019. A 2021 report estimated that 116 out of every 1,000 Indians suffer from these diseases, with rising cases expected to increase by 2035. To reduce heart disease risk, experts recommend adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. Key changes include eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and getting regular health check-ups. Efforts to promote healthy eating are underway, such as Singapore’s Nutri-Grade food labeling and Kerala’s “fat tax.” Regular exercise and awareness about steroid misuse in gyms are also important for improving heart health.