Ahead of World Heart Day on September 29, SRL Diagnostics, India’s leading global diagnostic chain has presented a unique “Heart Ensure Panel” which evaluates genetic markers that are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease as well as markers which can help in creating a personalized cardiovascular disease management program.

This initiative by SRL is one step towards preventing the epidemic of coronary artery disease by determining the genetic reasons behind the disease so that one is timely aware about these diseases and can accordingly opt for preventive measures to deal with cardiac problems. The panel indicates an increased level of genetic risk for coronary artery disease as well as suggests lifestyle modifications which are recommended so as to create a personalised management program.
 
Worldwide data indicates that people with normal cholesterol levels also suffer from heart disease. This is because even with normal cholesterol levels and a good lifestyle one may have genetic factors that can lead oneself to an increased risk for coronary heart disease. SRL, which has a robust R&D division, has conducted several studies in the Indian population to determine which of the genetic markers are relevant in the Indian context and has developed the “Heart Ensure Panel”.
 
Commenting on the “Heart Ensure Panel”, Dr Leena Chatterjee, director - Fortis SRL Labs & SRL Strategic Initiatives, said “There has been a considerable increase in the number of heart disease cases over the past couple of decades. Apart from lifestyle changes there are other possible reasons as well that people suffer from such type of diseases which affects them. SRL has introduced Heart ensure panel test which will evaluate genetic reasons behind the disease. This panel should ideally be done by individuals above the age of 30 years who may or may not have a family history of heart disease. It may also be done on those individuals who have dyslipidaemia (high levels of cholesterol) so as to reduce the progression of coronary artery disease by modifying the treatment and setting revised targets of controlling lipid levels.”

She further added “A large section of the population has adopted an unhealthy lifestyle with decreasing physical activity, increasing stress levels and a higher intake of saturated fats and tobacco. This panel of tests is important to a person just like annual health check-up because this panel will enable the person to be proactive about maintaining his/her own health, cut down on the lifestyle factors that can cause harm to heart health or consult a physician for therapeutic recommendations thereby diminishing the risk and ensuring a holistic approach to personalized care of heart disease. Furthermore, this is a genetic test and has to be done only once in life.”

It is asserted that 2.4 million Indians die due to heart disease every year. With this grim situation, there is need to make a conscious effort to sensitize people about these diseases, the right course of treatment and preventive measures that will help them deal with cardiac problems.