Heart disease killing Chennai’s young: Nutrition-first approach can offer protection, says expert
Chennai: The sudden death of a 39-year-old cardiac surgeon from a heart attack last month sent shockwaves through Chennai’s medical community, underscoring a harsh reality: cardiovascular disease is claiming lives at increasingly younger ages across the city, even among healthcare professionals who understand the risks.
The tragedy reflects a broader crisis. Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of mortality in India, with a quarter of all deaths attributable to CVD. The epidemic among Indians is particularly severe, characterized by earlier age of onset, higher case fatality rates, and increased premature deaths compared to global patterns.
Now, health experts are pointing to dietary intervention as one of the most powerful prevention strategies available to Chennai residents.
“Modern lifestyle factors, including chronic stress, work pressure, inadequate sleep, and poor nutrition, are creating a perfect storm for cardiovascular disease across the city. These risk factors affect everyone from healthcare workers managing demanding schedules to office professionals facing daily pressures,” said Dr Vanita Rahman, MD, Lifestyle and Internal Medicine with Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
“However, there is also hope. One of the most modifiable risk factors is our diet and research consistently shows that plant-based diets rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes can significantly reduce these risk factors. We’re seeing remarkable improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammation markers when people adopt well-planned plant-based eating patterns.”
A landmark 15-year study following 123,330 women provides compelling evidence for plant-based cardiovascular protection. Women who most closely followed the “Portfolio Diet” – a plant-based diet that combines four types of cholesterol-lowering foods – were 11% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease overall, 14% less likely to develop coronary heart disease, and 17% less likely to develop heart failure. The study demonstrates that specific plant foods can deliver measurable protection against the very conditions claiming lives prematurely in Chennai.
The urgency extends beyond individual cases. Contributing risk factors like obesity compound the problem. A survey done earlier this year by PCRM found that while 93% of Chennai residents had attempted weight loss, only 19% maintained it long-term, suggesting current health management approaches are failing when sustained intervention is most needed.
“For Chennai residents concerned about heart health, incorporating more plant foods while reducing processed and animal products represents one of the most evidence-based preventive strategies available,” Dr. Rahman emphasizes. “Traditional Tamilian cuisine already includes many fiber-rich delicious and healthy ingredients. The key is emphasizing those protective plant foods over processed options,” she said.
