Urbanization is increasing rapidly in India and other countries of the world, so the incidence of heart disease is increasing rapidly. Globally, heart disease caused 1.79 crore deaths in 2019, with 38% premature deaths. According to the City Heartbeat Index 2024, cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata are in poor condition due to lack of basic infrastructure and policies. In the study conducted on the top 50 cities of the world, Delhi is ranked 34th, Mumbai 35th and Kolkata 37th. On the other hand, high-income cities like Hong Kong, London and New York top the Heartbeat Index. Cairo ranks in the lowest 50th place in the report. Kathmandu is ranked 49th, Dhaka 47th and Karachi 43rd. Air pollution-health services responsible for poor ranking: Air pollution and poor health services have been blamed for the poor rankings of Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. Lack of trees and leaves in urban areas is also a reason for poor ranking. 55% of the world's population is at risk of heart disease According to the report, 55% of the world's population lives in cities. This population is at higher risk of heart disease due to the increasing problem in cities. The reason for this is pollution and poor health services, as well as an urban lifestyle, including unhealthy eating habits, smoking and alcohol consumption. The report suggests that London and Hong Kong have made policy reforms to improve heart health. Other countries should also learn from its policies.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
City Heartbeat Index: Urbanization increases heart disease risk, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi fare worst
