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India Faces Growing Burden of Vascular Health Issues on World Vascular Day
August 6, 2024 – Rising cases of diabetes and hypertension are driving an increase in vascular diseases in India, according to health experts. Marking World Vascular Day on Tuesday, they highlighted the urgent need for early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and specialized care to address these conditions, which affect the circulatory system including arteries, veins, and lymph vessels.
World Vascular Day, observed annually on August 6, emphasizes the importance of maintaining vascular health. The circulatory system’s role in transporting blood throughout the body means that any compromise to blood vessels can lead to serious health issues, from peripheral artery disease to venous conditions and blood clot disorders.
“Vascular diseases are on a rising trend due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes among the Indian population, which directly impacts the vascular system,” said Dr. Shrikant Ghanwat, Consultant in Vascular Surgery at Jupiter Hospital, Pune. “Hypertension, smoking, tobacco addiction, and hereditary predisposition are also major risk factors.”
Dr. Ghanwat warned that untreated peripheral vascular diseases could lead to major amputations, a significant concern given that 40-50% of amputations in India are related to complications from vascular diseases, particularly diabetes.
This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for increased awareness and preventive measures to manage risk factors such as high blood sugar, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
“Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which involves the narrowing of arteries outside the heart due to plaque buildup, can lead to ischemia, manifesting as leg pain, cramps, and severe cases of gangrene,” explained Dr. Abhishek Bansal, Senior Consultant & Chief of Interventional Radiology at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi. “Another notable condition is renal artery disease, characterized by the narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the kidneys, often resulting in severe hypertension. Fortunately, we now have minimally invasive treatment options.”
Vascular diseases do not only affect adults but are increasingly seen in children, necessitating early diagnosis and specialized care. Conditions like renal artery stenosis, often congenital, can cause severe hypertension and other complications if not treated early.
Dr. Navin Chobdar, Senior Consultant Vascular Surgeon at PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, noted the wide range of symptoms that vascular diseases can present, depending on their type and location. “Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) often causes leg pain, skin color changes, and non-healing sores, with severe cases potentially leading to gangrene and limb loss. Carotid Artery Disease, typically asymptomatic until a critical event, presents stroke-like symptoms such as sudden weakness and speech difficulties,” he said.
Treatment options for vascular diseases include lifestyle modifications, medications, and medical procedures. Experts advise patients to maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and manage conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Medications, such as antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, help manage symptoms and prevent complications. In specific cases, especially for children, surgical interventions like those for renal artery stenosis are crucial for restoring normal blood flow and preventing organ damage.
As India grapples with the increasing burden of vascular diseases, the message from health experts on World Vascular Day is clear: proactive measures and timely intervention are essential to combat this growing health challenge.
