Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is going to be a major socio-economic burden in developing countries. About 3 million people are dying due to CAD every year in India. A recent survey conducted in India, found about 10 per cent of the urban population and six per cent of the rural population have been suffering from CAD.

In addition, the study reveals that more than 200 million adult populations are hypertensive. Though more than 50 per cent of the population is not detected, there are only 50 per cent taking the medication at present.

However, the newer stents (Drug Eluting Stents) and drugs, which decrease the morbidity and mortality in patients with CAD, are available aplenty in the market. The Minimally Invasive Surgeries and Arterial Revascularisation have improved the surgical results with less morbidity. Robotic Cardiac Surgery is also getting significance gradually.

The experts are of the view that the risk factors in our population are different from those seen in Western population. Diabetes Mellitus is found more prevalent than any other country. Low HDL levels, central obesity and glucose intolerance are unique in our population, which increase the risk of CAD. The CAD in India is more severe and more diffused when compared to the Western population, said, Dr R Prasad Reddy, president of Cardiovascular Society of Hyderabad.

About other heart diseases that are also of concern, Dr Reddy said, Rheumatic Heart Disease is another cardiac problem in India. Rapid urbanisation, poor hygiene, low socio-economic status are the major factors responsible for the high incidence of the disease. It is necessary to develop indegenous valves and other disposables, which can reduce the surgical costs, he added.