Content area
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of mortality worldwide and majority of the deaths occur in low and middle income economies like India .(1) These diseases are epidemic in urban location and are rapidly increasing in rural population as well.(2) With increasing industrialization and urbanisation of society, epidemiological transition associated with increase in cardiovascular disease risk factors are further likely to increase the burden of CVD.(3) India is undergoing a rapid health transition with rising burden of coronary heart disease (CHD). Among adults who are over 20 years of age, the estimated prevalence of CHD is around 3 - 4% in rural areas and 8 - 10% in urban areas, which represent a 2 fold rise in rural areas and a 6 fold rise in urban areas between the years 1960 - 2000. (4)An exponential increase in CVD mortality is being reported from India with the prediction that by year 2015, CVD will account for 33.5% . deaths (i.e. 1 out of every 3 deaths).(5) The prevalence of CVD is higher in many migrant Indian populations and Indians have a high risk of premature coronary artery disease and a higher 1 mortality from CHD especially in younger age cohorts.(6-8) The factors for increased cardiovascular risk include the high prevalence of diabetes and insulin resistance, increased abdominal obesity and atherogenic lipoprotein profile in addition to markedly lower leisure time physical activity as well as lower regular intake of fruits and vegetables.