How precision cardiology with personalised care can help India tackle CVD burden

Precision cardiology which integrates genetics and data science can offer personalised treatment and help India fight the significant burden of cardiovascular disease said health experts on TuesdayThe World Health Organisation states that cardiovascular diseases CVD account for 27 per cent of total deaths in India every year and 45 per cent of deaths occur in the 4069 year age groupldquoThe incidence of heart disease is escalating rapidly due to factors such as sedentary lifestyles poor dietary habits tobacco use excessive alcohol intake and poor sleep patterns These behaviours contribute to high blood pressure elevated cholesterol levels and the development of diabetesrdquo Dr Ziad Ali Director of Interventional amp Structural Cardiology St Francis Hospital and Heart Center Roslyn New York saidThe doctor noted that although preventive steps can be taken once the condition establishes itself it necessitates proper management and intervention here comes the role of precision cardiology Precision Cardiology integrates a personrsquos genetics lifestyle and environmental exposures to prevent diagnose and treat CVDs the health experts explainedAlso Read Cardiovascular diseases on the rise among young citizens postCOVID19ldquoPrecision cardiology is an emerging approach that integrates the latest advancements in molecular biology genetics and data science with traditional cardiology to deliver highly personalised care tailored to an individuals genetic makeup lifestyle and other unique characteristicsrdquo Dr Ziad saidldquoIndia faces unique challenges due to its high CVD burden combined with a diversity of socioeconomic conditions and a large rural population Precision cardiology can serve as a bridge in this gap by delivering customised care and incorporating advanced techniques that cater to the needs of the individual despite these challengesrdquo he addedIn the individualised approach interventional cardiologists use advanced imaging and functional techniques to assess the necessity location and nature of the interventionThis majorly includes diagnostic tools like optical coherence tomography OCT and fractional flow reserve FFR which enable early detection of vulnerable plaque thats at risk of rupturing the direct mechanism of heart attacks and also guide the placement and optimisation of stents to treat blockages before they lead to a heart attackThese ldquotechnologies can flag atrisk patients of heart attacks years before they occur They include incorporating AI into conventional investigations to predict disease patterns genetic testing identifications of inflammatory biomarkers telemedicine and remote monitoringrdquo Dr Atul Mathur Executive Director Interventional Cardiology and Chief of Cath Lab Fortis Escorts Heart Institute told IANSAlso Read Varicose veins prevalent in 40 to 50 per cent Indians Donrsquot ignore this conditionldquoPrecision Cardiology also explains to us why different patients having the same disease respond differently to interventions It can tackle the cardiac care challenges of the 21st century Indians through early risk assessment personalised treatment plans and optimisation of resourcesrdquo he added