Heart disease killing Chennai's young: Nutrition-first approach can
offer protection, says expert
October 09, Chennai: The sudden
death of a 39-year-old cardiac surgeon from a heart attack last month sent
shockwaves through Chennai's medical community, underscoring a harsh reality:
cardiovascular disease is claiming lives at increasingly younger ages across
the city, even among healthcare professionals who understand the risks.
The tragedy reflects
a broader crisis. Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of
mortality in India, with a quarter of all deaths attributable
to CVD. The epidemic among Indians is particularly severe,
characterized by earlier age of onset, higher case fatality rates, and
increased premature deaths compared to global patterns.
Now, health experts
are pointing to dietary intervention as one of the most powerful prevention
strategies available to Chennai residents.
“Modern lifestyle
factors, including chronic stress, work pressure, inadequate sleep, and poor
nutrition, are creating a perfect storm for cardiovascular disease across the
city. These risk factors affect everyone from healthcare workers managing
demanding schedules to office professionals facing daily pressures,” said Dr
Vanita Rahman, MD, Lifestyle and Internal Medicine with Physicians Committee
for Responsible Medicine.
“However, there is
also hope. One of the most modifiable risk factors is our diet and research
consistently shows that plant-based diets rich in whole grains, fruits,
vegetables, and legumes can significantly reduce these risk factors. We're
seeing remarkable improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and
inflammation markers when people adopt well-planned plant-based eating
patterns.”
A landmark
15-year study following
123,330 women provides compelling evidence for plant-based cardiovascular
protection. Women who most closely followed the "Portfolio Diet" – a
plant-based diet that combines four types of cholesterol-lowering foods – were
11% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease overall, 14% less likely to
develop coronary heart disease, and 17% less likely to develop heart failure.
The study demonstrates that specific plant foods can deliver measurable
protection against the very conditions claiming lives prematurely in Chennai.
The urgency extends
beyond individual cases. Contributing risk factors like obesity compound the
problem. A survey done earlier this year by PCRM found that while 93% of
Chennai residents had attempted weight loss, only 19% maintained it long-term,
suggesting current health management approaches are failing when sustained
intervention is most needed.
"For Chennai residents concerned about heart health, incorporating more plant foods while reducing processed and animal products represents one of the most evidence-based preventive strategies available," Dr. Rahman emphasizes.
"Traditional Tamilian cuisine already includes many fiber-rich delicious
and healthy ingredients. The key is emphasizing those protective plant foods
over processed options," she said.
