New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS): There has been a three-fold rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Delhiites over the last three years, a survey said here on Wednesday.

It added that the risk of heart attack and stroke is increased if the person is suffering from diabetes and obesity.

About 40 per cent of men and 38 per cent of women in the age group of 40 to 50 years have been tested positive for diabetes which has increased their chances of heart ailments.

Of these, 20 per cent men and 22 per cent women are obese too, said the survey by Indus Health Plus.

"In Delhi, young working women between the age group of 25 to 35 years are prone to heart diseases due to lack of estrogen," said Amol Naikawadi, Preventive Healthcare Specialist Indus Health Plus in a statement.

"Prolonged intake of painkillers, hormonal and contraceptive pills can cause clotting of blood in the arteries. This coupled with unhealthy lifestyle and stress increases the risk of heart diseases."

According to the survey, more than 50 per cent of corporate employees (both men and women) are suffering because of hypertension and heart ailments.

Also, more than 70 per cent of urban men and 69 per cent of rural men from the age group of 35-55 years are under the risk of heart diseases due to hypertension, obesity and diabetes.

The survey also revealed that 60 per cent of urban as well as rural women between 25 and 40 years were ignorant of heart diseases.

Day-to-day lifestyle modifications and changes like jogging, stair climbing, healthy eating or playing an outdoor game will help in reducing the risk of heart ailments, Naikawadi added.