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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Silent Signals: Uncovering Impact of Angina on Women in India
New Delhi: While women face many health challenges throughout their lives, heart disease stands out as one of the most serious — causing more deaths and disability than any other condition worldwide. A 2016 report by the India n Council of Medical Research identified heart disease as the leading cause of illness in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (2019–20), about 0.7% of women and 0.9% of men in India report having heart disease. India's death rate from heart disease already exceeds the global average — and studies show that women may be even more at risk. Conditions like angina often present subtly, with symptoms that are easy to miss but can lead to higher risks. To spotlight this critical issue, ETHealthworld, in collaboration with global healthcare leader Abbott , hosted a webinar titled Her Heart Matters: Understanding Angina and Coronary Artery Disease in Women. The session brought together medical experts to explore the unique cardiovascular challenges faced by Indian women. The expert panel featured Dr Jyotirmoy Pal President, Association of Physicians of India (API); Dr Agam Vora , Honorary General Secretary, Association of Physicians of India (API); Dr. Gurpreet S Wander, Chief Cardiologist, Hero DMC Heart Institute, Ludhiana; Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Director Cath Lab, Apollo Hospitals, Indore; Dr Rohita Shetty Head of Medical Affairs, Abbott India. The discussion was moderated by Prathiba Raju, Senior Assistant Editor, ET Healthworld. Exploring the underlying causes of angina, Dr Jyotirmoy Pal explained that while non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for a third of deaths at the time of India's independence, decades of lifestyle and metabolic shifts have dramatically altered the landscape— with cardiovascular diseases now emerging as the leading cause of mortality. Angina, commonly experienced as chest pain, is one of the most recognizable early warning signs of heart disease. Dr. Gurpreet S. Wander added that approximately 60–65% of individuals with coronary artery disease report experiencing angina symptoms. Discussing key risk factors for angina, Dr. Wander emphasized that among the eight major contributors to heart disease — including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and stress — genetics and lifestyle choices, particularly tobacco use, pose the greatest risk for individuals under 60. He also noted that while women benefit from a degree of natural protection against heart disease due to hormonal factors, this advantage is significantly diminished in the presence of diabetes. Experts further highlighted a critical gap in research: women comprise only about 20% of participants in heart disease clinical trials. As a result, most treatment protocols are based predominantly on male-centric data, making it more challenging to develop care strategies tailored specifically to women's cardiovascular health. Diagnosis Dilemma Speaking on the importance of early detection, Dr. Jyotirmoy Pal emphasized that recognizing angina symptoms promptly can lead to timely intervention — potentially saving lives. However, in India, recurring chest pain is often misdiagnosed as Acid Peptic Disorder (APD), delaying appropriate cardiac care. Dr. Agam Vora added that there's a common misconception that only individuals with conditions like diabetes or obesity are at risk for angina. 'That's not always the case,' he noted, stressing the need for clinicians to adopt modern diagnostic tools — especially when interpreting ECG results proves challenging. Dr. Wander further explained that angina can sometimes present with symptoms like burping, which are frequently mistaken for acidity. 'If the discomfort isn't localized and lasts for 3 to 5 minutes, it could be a sign of heart-related chest pain,' he cautioned. The panel also underscored the value of non-invasive diagnostic tests — such as treadmill tests, stress echocardiography, and cardiac imaging — in identifying angina early. These tools can help avoid diagnostic delays, which is critical, as untreated angina can escalate into a heart attack , posing serious, potentially life-threatening risks. Gender-Based Differences Dr. Rao explained that heart disease symptoms in women can be quite different from those in men. Instead of the typical chest pain, women may feel breathless, break into a sweat, or experience symptoms like acidity, heartburn, or even nausea. She also noted that diagnosing heart issues in women can be more complex. For example, their ECGs may show subtle changes, and they're more likely to test positive during a treadmill test. Women also experience a type of heart condition called microvascular angina, which affects the smaller blood vessels and often doesn't show up on standard heart scans like a coronary angiogram. While women do have some natural hormonal protection against heart disease, Dr. Rao pointed out that they also face unique risks — especially during and after pregnancy. Conditions like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure can increase a woman's chances of developing heart disease later in life. She also highlighted that early menopause, Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), and autoimmune disorders can raise the risk of heart problems even further. That's why it's important for women to stay informed and proactive about their heart health. Solutions to change the course Coronary artery disease (CAD) ranks among the leading causes of death from non-communicable diseases. While it is often diagnosed later in life, Dr. Wander emphasized that its origins can be traced back much earlier. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits early — and maintaining them consistently — plays a crucial role in preventing or delaying the onset of heart disease. Dr. Rao emphasized that regularly checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar — along with living a healthy lifestyle — can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease. Avoiding smoking and alcohol also plays a big role. These simple habits can help you stay healthier and be better prepared for any future health risks. Abbott's Efforts for Better Heart Health Dr. Rohita Shetty shared some of the steps Abbott is taking to support women's heart health, especially around angina. As part of its 2030 global goals, Abbott is working to fight non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Because angina often shows up differently in women and can be hard to recognize, there's a strong need to raise awareness. To help close this gap, Abbott collaborated with the Association of Physicians of India (API) to launch Angina Awareness Week in 2024. As part of this effort, Abbott introduced the OPTA (Optimal Treatment of Angina) initiative, which includes three helpful tools — a checklist, a questionnaire, and a clinical approach — all designed to improve how angina is diagnosed and managed. This year, the spotlight is on women — with a focus on improving their heart health and overall quality of life. Abbott's awareness initiatives aim to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to take control of their heart health and make informed choices for a healthier future. To summarize, with rising rates of obesity, hypertension, and hereditary risk factors, experts caution that the burden of heart disease is likely to continue growing. The good news is that this trend can be changed. By making healthier lifestyle choices, scheduling regular health checkups, and leveraging advanced diagnostic tools, individuals can take meaningful steps to reduce their risk — helping to build stronger, healthier families and communities. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Food adulteration and its consequences on health
— Ritwika Patgiri Of late, a number of cases of 'fake paneer' products came to light highlighting a worrying trend of increasing food adulteration in everyday staples and posing severe health risks. For instance, in early April, reports from Noida found that 47 paneer and khoya products out of 168 food items tested by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) were contaminated. Fake paneer, also called 'analogue paneer' or 'synthetic paneer', mimics the texture and appearance of real paneer but is made from non-dairy ingredients and costs nearly half of the real paneer. However, this is not the only case of food adulteration in India. According to data recently shared by the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, 22 per cent of food samples tested in Tamil Nadu between 2021 and September 2024 were found to be adulterated. The data collected by food safety authorities across five southern states – Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka – also revealed that 15 per cent of the food tested in Telangana and 13 per cent in Kerala were contaminated. Overall, one in every seven food samples tested in the five states failed to meet food safety standards over the last four years, indicating the systemic nature of food adulteration in the country. Food adulteration is a process by which substances are either intentionally added to food items or food gets contaminated due to negligence or poor handling practices. Adulterants could be harmful chemicals or harmless fillers, which can be added at any stage of the production process. For instance, the dilution of milk by farmers or the mixing of edible oil with mineral oil are examples of food adulteration. The issue of food adulteration affected both organised and unorganised sectors. If the adulteration of milk-based sweets by small sweet shops during Diwali is a common local concern, big corporations have also been found involved in food adulteration. Evidence worldwide suggests that 57 per cent of individuals have had health issues as a result of consuming adulterated food. Food adulteration can cause a range of health issues, including digestive disorders, allergic reactions, nutritional deficiencies, weakened immune system, and chronic diseases like cancer and liver damage. While some instances of food adulteration, like mixing water with milk, may seem harmless, the larger public health impact tells otherwise. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, 32.1 per cent of Indian children are underweight, 35.5 per cent are stunted (low height for age), and 19.3 per cent are wasted (low weight for height). Around 41 million children in India have stunted growth. The survey also notes that milk and curd along with pulses and beans are more likely to be consumed daily by a majority of Indians compared to eggs, fish, or meat. Therefore, the dilution of milk has serious health implications, specifically in terms of key nutritional indicators, which remain poor despite the consumption of milk. Similarly, the dilution of pure honey with sugar syrup is more than just an instance of lowering the quality of food. According to The Lancet data, India has the highest number of people with diabetes estimated at 212 million. Unhealthy food and sedentary lifestyles are the major reasons behind this. Therefore, even seemingly minor adulterations such as adding sugar to honey can have long-term health consequences. The prevalence of food contamination raises an important question about food safety mechanisms in India. The FSSAI is responsible for regulating and overseeing food safety. Established by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI conducts periodic pan-India surveillance of food products, especially staple food and commodities that are prone to adulteration. The theme of this year's World Food Safety Day, celebrated on June 7, was 'science in action', drawing attention to the use of scientific knowledge in reducing illness, cutting costs, and saving lives. The theme also underlines the responsibility of regulatory bodies like the FSSAI in combating food adulteration through scientific approaches. The use of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in food items in India can be mentioned here as a case in point. Despite scientific concerns, GM cottonseed oil – derived from Bt cotton, the only GM crop allowed for cultivation in India – is blended with other edible oils. However, this practice raises concerns due to the possible toxicity present in such oils. To address this, the FSSAI has mandated that any food item containing 5 per cent of GM ingredients should be labelled accordingly. However, quantifying the percentage of GM ingredients in food is challenging and expensive, making the labeling system dependent on self-declaration by manufacturers. This makes FSSAI's role even more crucial in ensuring transparency and protecting consumers' right to know what they are consuming. The case of organic food presents similar challenges. The FSSAI mandates that certified organic food must be free from any residues of insecticides and should be labelled accordingly. However, there's no clear labelling for uncertified or substandard organic products. According to the Organic India Market Report of 2022, organic food in India has witnessed a yearly growth of 25 per cent, driven by growing awareness and purchasing power. Moreover, studies indicate that as consumers become aware about the health benefits of organic food, they are more likely to pay premium prices for such products. However, the consumption of organic food in India remains limited to urban, upper-classes because of such 'premium' prices as 'pure' organic food is mostly expensive. However, the lack of clear labeling of such products raises critical questions – who actually has access to 'good' organic food and who is more likely to be deceived by 'bad' organic food? In this context, FSSAI's role becomes critical. It may be argued that the first step in any policy response to food could address the question of who is committing adulteration and how it occurs. If unorganised sellers (like the local milk vendor or sweet shop) are diluting food items, the solution could focus on education, incentivization, and raising awareness. Profit maximisation has been found as one of the primary motivations behind food adulteration across organised and unorganised sectors. For instance, according to the health ministry records, three of every five companies have been found guilty of misbranding or selling adulterated food, yet many manage to escape without penalties. The low conviction rate has been seen as a major reason behind the persistence of such mal-practices. The lack of food analysts and testing laboratories are some other systemic issues behind the low conviction rate. Hence, stringent laws with a differentiated approach for the organised and unorganised sectors could play an important role in addressing food adulteration. Eventually, food safety is a matter of both health and awareness. In addition, given that the perceptions of food hygiene are also linked with caste and class, addressing the issue of food adulteration requires a nuanced approach rooted in differentiated understanding and public awareness. Why is food adulteration considered a major public health concern in India? What are some of the long-term health effects of consuming adulterated food? What role does the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) play in ensuring food safety? Why is it important to have different regulatory approaches for the organised and unorganised food sectors? How does the lack of clear labelling for organic and genetically modified (GM) foods impact consumer choices in India? Why is the self-declaration system for GM food labelling problematic? How does food adulteration affect the nutritional status of children in India, as seen in NFHS-5 data? What steps can be taken to improve food testing infrastructure and enforcement in India? (Ritwika Patgiri is a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Economics, South Asian University.) Share your thoughts and ideas on UPSC Special articles with Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. 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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Changing mindsets and narratives around obesity for a healthier future
A 42-year-old schoolteacher once told me she had tried everything: eating less, walking daily and yet, saw no change on the weighing scale. Like millions across India, she blamed herself, believing her weight to be a personal failure rather than a medical issue. She is not alone. In India, obesity is still seen as more a cosmetic concern than a medical one. People suffering from obesity are told to eat less, move more, and try harder. What they are rarely told is that obesity is a chronic disease that involves genetics, hormones, mental health, and the environment. And like any disease, it requires real treatment, not judgement. Obesity on the rise Globally, obesity is on the rise, and it is projected that without immediate action, around a third (746 million) of the world's children and adolescents will be overweight or obese by 2050. Despite the numbers, public perception hasn't caught up with medical science. We continue to treat obesity as a character flaw rather than a condition that deserves clinical attention. That mindset is dangerous: it is time to change how we talk about obesity and treat it like the chronic disease it is. Also Read: Why obesity in children is a growing concern in India India is also facing an obesity epidemic. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) classified 24% of women and 23% of men as overweight/obesity, a sharp rise from previous years. This trend shows no sign of slowing down. More than 440 million Indians are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050. Moreover, obesity is no longer confined to urban elites. It is growing rapidly in rural areas and lower-income populations, driven by urbanisation, increased access to processed foods, sedentary jobs, and lifestyle changes. This epidemic is not just about body size. It is about the surging rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, which now account for 63% of all deaths in India.i Why mindset matters Obesity management is not just about calorie measurements. It involves complex interactions between genetics, hormones, brain chemistry, environment, and behavior. People living with obesity often find that their bodies resist weight loss, not because of a lack of discipline, but because their biology fights it. The challenge can be almost insurmountable and is further impeded by complications brought on by the disease. Only 20% of individuals with obesity can maintain their weight loss, long-term. Despite this, the dominant narrative in India takes a simplistic and judgemental perception. It equates weight gain with laziness, and weight loss with virtue, and this stigma shows up in every societal conversation. Many still see obesity as a sign of prosperity, a harmless cosmetic issue, or, conversely, a moral failing. This mindset creates several problems including preventing people from seeking professional help and ignoring the complex interplay of biology when it comes to weight. Obesity and mental health are also deeply interconnected, often creating a vicious cycle that is overlooked. Individuals living with obesity frequently face stigma, discrimination, and negative body image perceptions, all of which can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. The emotional distress caused by societal judgment can, in turn, contribute to unhealthy eating patterns, reduced motivation for physical activity, and social withdrawal. Moreover, mental health conditions like depression may also influence biological factors such as hormone levels and metabolism, further complicating weight management. Addressing obesity, therefore, requires a compassionate, holistic approach that considers both physical and mental well-being, rather than focusing solely on weight loss. Changing the narrative Changing the narrative means recognising obesity as a chronic disease influenced by factors beyond individual willpower. It requires empathy, science-based understanding, and collective action. Databases must include a fuller picture of the individual's health-care status. Furthermore, there is substantial scope for stratification of clinical obesity into different subtypes, potentially based on their clinical presentation or pathophysiology By embracing a more empathetic, science-based approach, and implementing comprehensive public health strategies, India can hope to stem the tide of this growing epidemic and ensure a healthier future for its citizens. (Dr. Ramen Goel is director, bariatric & metabolic surgery, Wockhardt Group of Hospitals, Mumbai. ramengoel@
Hans India
2 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Study finds low birth weight in 4 States
New Delhi: Cases of a low weight at birth from four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal -- account for nearly half of India's cases, despite an overall progress in lowering rates over the last 30 years, an analysis of the National Family Health Survey shows. The findings are published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Global Health. Having a low birth weight -- under 2.5 kg -- can often signal a mother's underlying health issues and poor nutrition, and has been linked with problems in the child's cognitive development and a vulnerability to chronic conditions in later life. Analysing data gathered from all five waves of the national survey, researchers from Duke and Harvard universities in the US and institutes in South Korea found that overall, the prevalence of low birth weight in India fell by eight percentage points -- from 26 in 1993 to 18 in 2021. State-wise, the average prevalence was seen to decline across the five waves of the survey from 25 per cent in 1993 and 1999 to 20 per cent in 2006, and 16 per cent in 2021, when the last wave concluded. Analysis of data from the fifth wave (2019-21) suggests that 42 lakh babies were born with a low weight in a single year, almost half (47 per cent) of which came from only four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Prevalence in 1993 was found to be the highest in Rajasthan (48 per cent), while in 2021, Punjab and Delhi saw the highest prevalence at 22 per cent. States such as Mizoram and Nagaland had the lowest prevalence of low birth weight in 1993 and in 2021 as well. The authors wrote, 'The overall prevalence of low birth weight in India declined from 26 per cent to 18 per cent during the period. The 2019-21 survey revealed that four states, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, accounted for almost half of all low-birth-weight births in India.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Study finds low birth weight from 4 states makes up half of India's cases
New Delhi: Cases of a low weight at birth from four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal -- account for nearly half of India's cases, despite an overall progress in lowering rates over the last 30 years, an analysis of the National Family Health Survey shows. The findings are published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Global Health. Having a low birth weight -- under 2.5 kg -- can often signal a mother's underlying health issues and poor nutrition, and has been linked with problems in the child's cognitive development and a vulnerability to chronic conditions in later life. Analysing data gathered from all five waves of the national survey, researchers from Duke and Harvard universities in the US and institutes in South Korea found that overall, the prevalence of low birth weight in India fell by eight percentage points -- from 26 in 1993 to 18 in 2021. State-wise, the average prevalence was seen to decline across the five waves of the survey from 25 per cent in 1993 and 1999 to 20 per cent in 2006, and 16 per cent in 2021, when the last wave concluded. Analysis of data from the fifth wave (2019-21) suggests that 42 lakh babies were born with a low weight in a single year, almost half (47 per cent) of which came from only four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Prevalence in 1993 was found to be the highest in Rajasthan (48 per cent), while in 2021, Punjab and Delhi saw the highest prevalence at 22 per cent. States such as Mizoram and Nagaland had the lowest prevalence of low birth weight in 1993 and in 2021 as well. The authors wrote, "The overall prevalence of low birth weight in India declined from 26 per cent to 18 per cent during the period. The 2019-21 survey revealed that four states, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, accounted for almost half of all low-birth-weight births in India." The data from the fifth wave also showed that babies having both a lower weight and a smaller-than-average size at birth were "considerably more likely" to be born to women with little or no formal education and from the poorest households. "Low birth weight is likely to be more prevalent among non-weighed children since weighing correlates strongly with healthcare infrastructure and being born in a health facility. Also, (a) low socioeconomic status is linked to both lack of access to healthcare and low birth weight," the team wrote. The results "point to a general decline in the prevalence of low birth weight and convergence between states over time," they said. The team also highlighted the need for continued efforts in addressing maternal and neonatal health disparities and called for improved data collection at healthcare facilities, which can provide quality data for decision-making across India. Recorded births were found to increase from 48,959 in 1993 to 2,32,920 in 2021. Proportion of babies weighed at birth increased over time, resulting in 7,992 being included in the analysis in 1993 (16 per cent) to 209,266 in 2021 (90 per cent), the authors said.
