Sedentary lifestyle, stressful work conditions may lead to heart disease: study

Shimona Kanwar, TNN | Sep 30, 2013, 06.54 PM IST

 

CHANDIGARH: In a study conducted recently on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the city among 4254 respondents over a period of three years, it was revealed that 73% of them had a high risk of contracting CVD. The study revealed that 54% of respondents in Chandigarh were obese and 6% reported to have high-risk cholesterol levels.

 

Dr. HK Bali, Director Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Mohali said, "Sedentary lifestyle, stressful work conditions, and compromised diet are leading factors in precipitating heart disease risk. This has affected the heart health of the young workforce in the 30 - 44 age group."

 

45% of Chandigarh respondents reported to consume fried foods and 41% reported to consume preserved/processed foods at least two times in a week. Moreover, 65% of them were guilty of consuming two or fewer servings of fiber-rich whole grains in their diet. Analyzing the physical activity of Chandigarh participants revealed that 62% of them exercised thrice a week or less.

 

The study also noted that 43% of respondents from Chandigarh had low levels of the heart-protective HDL or 'good' cholesterol. 10% of them reported feeling drained four times or more in a week.

 

The study revealed a shockingly large difference between the heart age and the chronological age beginning at 30 years with a noticeable peak observed in the 40's. Due to the presence of maximum systemic and lifestyle risk factors, respondents in the 30-44 age group showed heightened CVD risk.

Lifestyle factors have also contributed to increased CVD risk that includes the increase in consumption of fried and processed foods. Among the people who consume processed foods, 61% belong to the 30-44 age group while. Among the people who consume fried foods, 63% belong to the 30-44 age group.

 

Madhu Arora, chief dietician, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh stated, "Diet has undergone major changes depending on convenience. Preference for processed and preserved foods and fried foods has gone up noticeably. High dependence on the same and a menu devoid of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains will only make people more vulnerable to CVD."