Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 20: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of heart-related deaths globally, claiming over 3.75 lac lives annually in the United States alone, according to the New York State Department of Health. Closer to home, India is grappling with one of the world’s highest cardiovascular disease (CVD) burdens, as reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

CHD prevalence in India varies significantly, ranging from 1.6% to 7.4% in rural areas and up to 13.2% in urban populations. With such staggering numbers, health experts emphasize the urgent need for public awareness about the early signs of heart attacks and preventive screenings.

On March 6, Dr Akshay Mahajan, MD in DM Cardiology, shared six critical warning signs that should never be ignored:

1. Chest pain or discomfort
2. Feeling dizzy, faint, or light-headed
3. Rapid or irregular heartbeat
4. Shortness of breath
5. Cold sweats
6. Stomach discomfort or indigestion

In addition to recognising these symptoms, timely diagnostic testing can be lifesaving. Highlighting this, cardiologist Dr Yaranov in a June 16 post pointed out that a simple blood test — CRP (C-reactive protein) — can help detect hidden inflammation in the arteries, often before symptoms appear.

He noted, “CRP exposes silent inflammation that damages your arteries before you feel a single symptom. Most people have no idea their CRP is high — until it’s too late. Even with normal cholesterol, you could still be at risk.”

Medical experts advise that individuals — even those without typical risk factors — consider CRP testing as part of their routine cardiac health assessment, especially in light of India’s growing CVD burden.