Experts Stress Urgent Need for Better Cardiac Rehabilitation in India

Cardiac rehabilitation is gaining ground in low- and middle-income countries like India, even though developed nations already include it in routine patient care. Experts note that a rehab programme includes medical checks, exercise, diet guidance, mental health counseling, and education tailored to a patient's needs. The main benefits are faster recovery, lower risk of future problems, better blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, higher fitness, and less risk of death.

Growth of Heart Disease

Heart diseases are growing fast among young people in both urban and rural parts of India. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, heart disease is the top cause of death in the country. Data shows that nearly 27% of all deaths in India happen due to heart disease, and 62% of those deaths occur early in life, between ages 40 and 69. Survivors often face long-term health issues that hurt their work and daily life, creating a strong need for more rehab centers.

Barriers and Solutions

Many patients who enrol in rehab programmes do not finish them. Main hurdles include work duties, family duties, money problems, and health issues. Experts suggest flexible timings, work counseling, lower payment options, and close ties with doctors to fix these drop-out issues. A proposed 'TRACK and CARE' policy aims to boost patient involvement by building trust, involving family, setting clear goals, checking progress often, and praising positive changes.

Context

Cardiac rehabilitation helps patients regain strength and manage risk factors after a major heart event or surgery. Expanding these programmes in India is seen as a vital step to handle the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases among working-age adults.