Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 8: The inaugural year of a significant four-year global campaign by World Physiotherapy focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke rehabilitation highlights the vital role of structured physical activity and rehabilitation in restoring mobility, balance, functional endurance and long-term independence.

Cardiovascular diseases remain among the leading causes of death worldwide, underlining the importance of individualised, evidence-based and multidisciplinary care. Alongside medical and surgical treatment, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in cardiac recovery by helping patients safely return to active, independent and fulfilling lives.

Cardiovascular disease covers a wide range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke and peripheral arterial disease. Specialised physiotherapy is an important component of rehabilitation throughout the continuum of care, from acute hospital treatment and post-surgical recovery to community reintegration and long-term secondary prevention.

Common warning signs of cardiovascular disease can include chest discomfort such as angina, pressure, fullness or a squeezing sensation in the centre of the chest, particularly during physical exertion. Shortness of breath during routine activities or, in more severe cases, at rest, persistent fatigue, reduced endurance and unexplained weakness can also indicate a cardiovascular problem.

Pain associated with cardiovascular conditions may radiate to the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw or upper back. Other warning signs can include cold sweating, light-headedness, nausea and a feeling of impending faintness. However, some individuals may experience silent ischaemia and have no obvious warning symptoms before an acute myocardial infarction.

Several factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. These include hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, tobacco consumption, physical inactivity, obesity and an unhealthy diet high in trans fats, refined sugars and excessive sodium. Advancing age and a family history of premature cardiovascular disease are among the major non-modifiable risk factors.

Preventive measures include quitting tobacco, following a heart-healthy diet and maintaining regular physical activity. Blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose should be appropriately controlled in accordance with medical advice. Depending on the condition, treatment may include medicines such as statins, antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and anti-anginal drugs. Where clinically indicated, patients may undergo procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention, including stenting, or coronary artery bypass grafting.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is a central component of cardiovascular recovery. Physiotherapists assess patients, prescribe and monitor exercise programmes and progressively advance rehabilitation according to individual needs, from the hospital setting through to independent community living.

A comprehensive assessment includes evaluating baseline functional and exercise capacity, reviewing relevant clinical information and identifying musculoskeletal or other limitations that may affect rehabilitation.

Exercise programmes are individualised using the FITT principle, covering Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type. Depending on the patient's condition, programmes may combine aerobic exercise, progressive resistance training and flexibility exercises.

Physiotherapists also monitor heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, symptoms and Rating of Perceived Exertion to ensure that exercise progresses safely.

Cardiovascular education forms another important part of rehabilitation. Patients are guided on lifestyle modification, energy conservation, safe levels of physical exertion and long-term self-management.

Physiotherapy can also help manage breathlessness and exercise intolerance through pacing, energy-conservation strategies and appropriate breathing techniques while ensuring that cardiac symptoms are recognised and addressed safely.

Psychological support is equally important. Physiotherapists can provide reassurance, address fear of movement and help patients gradually rebuild confidence in participating in safe physical activity.

Research cited in the draft also highlights the cardiovascular disease burden in Jammu and Kashmir. Population-based epidemiological research from the Kashmir Valley reported an overall coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease prevalence of 7.54 per cent, with prevalence at 8.37 per cent in urban areas and 6.70 per cent in rural areas. The prevalence was reported at 7.88 per cent among men and 6.60 per cent among women.

For the Jammu region, the draft notes that comprehensive population-wide clinical surveys remain limited. However, an autopsy-based study cited from Government Medical College, Jammu, analysed 232 post-mortem heart specimens and reported coronary atherosclerotic lesions in 37.5 per cent of cases, including 43.24 per cent among males and 14.89 per cent among females.

Beyond formal cardiac rehabilitation, maintaining healthy daily habits can contribute to cardiovascular well-being. Slow and controlled diaphragmatic breathing can be incorporated into relaxation and stress-management practices. Reducing prolonged periods of sitting and incorporating regular movement throughout the day can also help, with activity and step goals tailored to an individual's functional capacity and medical advice.

A balanced diet with appropriate protein intake can support muscle maintenance, satiety and overall metabolic health. Heavy meals close to bedtime should be avoided when they interfere with sleep or aggravate reflux symptoms, while meal timing should be adapted to individual requirements and medical advice.

Adequate and restorative sleep is an important component of cardiovascular health and recovery. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and limiting stimulating screen use before bedtime can help improve sleep quality.

Progressive resistance training, where clinically appropriate, can support muscle strength, functional capacity, bone health and metabolic well-being. Exercise frequency and intensity should always be individualised.

Adequate hydration and moderate caffeine consumption are also advisable, particularly later in the day if caffeine affects sleep or causes palpitations.

Maintaining meaningful relationships with family, friends and the wider community can contribute to psychological well-being and help sustain healthy behaviours. Stress-management strategies such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, enjoyable hobbies, social engagement and spending time outdoors can also be beneficial.

Regular clinical screening remains important, particularly for people with cardiovascular risk factors. Periodic monitoring of blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose or HbA1c and other relevant clinical parameters should be undertaken as advised by healthcare professionals.

Together, preventive care, appropriate medical treatment, structured physical activity and physiotherapy-based rehabilitation can play a significant role in improving cardiovascular health, restoring functional independence and supporting a better quality of life.