Unemployed Adults in India Face Higher Heart Disease Risk

August 23, 2024

A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has examined the risk factors for heart disease among adults in India, focusing on unemployment and high blood sugar levels. The study involved nearly 4,500 adults aged 40-69 and revealed important trends in heart disease risk across different groups.

Study Overview

The ICMR study used surveys and questionnaires from the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess physical activity and measure the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) over the next ten years. Participants were divided into risk categories:

Very Low to Low Risk: Less than a 10% chance
Moderate Risk: 10-20% chance
High to Very High Risk: Over a 20% chance

About 85% of participants were in the very low-to-low risk category. In contrast, 14.5% were at moderate risk, and 1% were at high-to-very high risk.

Demographic Insights

The study found notable differences between genders:

Men were twice as likely as women to have more than a 10% chance of heart disease.

High blood sugar increased the risk of heart disease significantly: women faced an 85% higher risk, while men had a 77% higher risk.
Obesity also played a key role: obese women had a 71% higher risk, and obese men had a 55% higher risk of CVD.

Urban vs Rural Risks

The study showed that people in urban areas had a higher risk of heart disease. 17.5% of urban participants were at risk, compared to 13.8% in rural areas. Urban women had an 86% higher chance of elevated CVD risk compared to rural women.

Impact of Employment Status

Unemployed individuals had a much higher risk of heart disease. Only 54% of the unemployed had a low risk of CVD, compared to 87-88% of employed people and homemakers. This study is important because it provides a national view of heart disease risk in India, filling gaps left by earlier research that was more localized. It identifies key factors affecting heart health, such as lifestyle and demographics, and offers valuable insights for improving public health strategies.

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