CK Birla Hospitals Releases ‘Every Beat Counts’ Report Highlighting India’s Cardiac Health Crisis

CK Birla Hospitals has launched the inaugural edition of the Every Beat Counts report, offering a groundbreaking insight into India’s cardiac health crisis. Released by BM Birla Heart Hospital (BMB), part of CK Birla Hospitals, the report sheds light on the alarming rise in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) across the country and outlines actionable strategies to combat the growing crisis.

According to the Every Beat Counts report, India accounts for 20 per cent of global heart attack deaths. With approximately 90 million Indians currently living with cardiovascular conditions, the report highlights a significant health burden on the country. The mortality rate from CVD in India stands at 272 per 100,000 people—well above the global average of 235 per 100,000. Additionally, urban areas report even higher mortality rates at 450 per 100,000, compared to 200 per 100,000 in rural areas.

“Cardiovascular diseases now account for 24.5 per cent of all deaths in India, with states like West Bengal and Punjab reporting over 35 per cent of deaths attributed to heart disease,” said Vipul Jain, CEO, CK Birla Hospitals. “Our inaugural Every Beat Counts report underscores the urgent need for a national strategy to address this worsening crisis. By publishing this report annually, we aim to raise awareness and encourage collective action to build a healthier nation," he added.

The report also delves into unique risk factors specific to India, such as the high prevalence of the "thin-fat" body type—a condition where individuals may have normal or below-normal weight but higher levels of body fat, resulting in elevated cardiovascular risks.

The Every Beat Counts report emphasises the critical gaps in India’s healthcare infrastructure. For instance, the country has just one cardiologist for every 250,000 people, in stark contrast to the United States, which has one cardiologist for every 7,300 citizens. The lack of specialised cardiac care, particularly in rural areas, is exacerbating the growing cardiovascular crisis in India.

The report also highlights a worrying trend of CVD affecting younger populations, including children. Approximately 10 per cent of infant mortality in India is now linked to congenital heart diseases. The shortage of pediatric cardiac care is evident, with only 35 pediatric cardiology fellows trained annually, and the surgical mortality rate for congenital heart conditions in children ranging from 8 per cent to 13 per cent, compared to less than 5 per cent in developed countries.

Leveraging the expertise of BM Birla Heart Hospital, the report calls for a multifaceted approach to improve India’s cardiac health outcomes. Key recommendations include improving healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to specialised care, and enhancing public awareness about cardiovascular risks.

The Every Beat Counts report aims to serve as an annual assessment of India’s cardiac health status, tracking progress, identifying trends, and shaping healthcare strategies. It also encourages policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to engage with its findings and take action to address the growing cardiovascular disease burden in India.

Published annually by CK Birla Hospitals, the Every Beat Counts report provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s cardiac health. The report is designed to raise awareness, guide policy decisions, and promote continuous improvements in cardiac care across the nation.