South Asian Heart Disease
South Asia Faces Major Heart Disease Crisis Amid Disparities in Cardiac Care
Anonymous
World Heart Day coverage across South Asia highlighted cardiovascular disease as a major and often preventable health burden, with Bangladesh reporting more than 200,000 deaths annually and millions living with heart conditions. Experts in Bangladesh warned that advanced cardiac care remains heavily concentrated in Dhaka, despite most patients living elsewhere. In Pakistan, research found women had the highest age-adjusted ischemic heart disease death rate among women in five South Asian countries studied; health professionals said screening and follow-up are often neglected, including during and after pregnancy. Across Pakistan and Assam, doctors emphasized early recognition of symptoms and management of risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, inactivity and unhealthy diets. Pakistani health advocates also called for prevention through healthier daily habits and stronger food policies, including warning labels on products high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
Key Points
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Bangladesh’s reported daily toll is estimated at 562 to 777 cardiovascular deaths; the article also cites about 992,736 new diagnoses each year and estimates that 10.26 million people live with heart disease.
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In Assam, doctors warned that mild breathlessness, unusual fatigue and vague chest discomfort can be overlooked as indigestion or stress, potentially causing people to miss an opportunity for timely treatment.
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Assam health professionals also expressed concern about congenital heart disease among young people and coronary artery disease and heart attacks affecting young adults during their most productive years.
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The five-country study found that Pakistan was the only country examined where deaths relative to estimated ischemic heart disease cases were higher among women than men: 4.4% compared with 3.1%. The article clarifies these are population-level comparisons, not an individual patient’s risk of dying.
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