Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 28 (UNI) Cardiac ailments have emerged as the leading cause of death in Kerala, with alarmingly high mortality rates compared to many other countries.
The Government health statistics revealing that 26 out of every 100 deaths in the state are due to cardiac problems, according to Dr. Naresh Purohit, Executive Member of the Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences.
Notably, 60 per cent of male and 40 per cent of female cardiac fatalities occur before the age of 65, highlighting the growing threat of premature deaths and the severe financial burden they impose on families.
He noted that women account for 27 per cent of the total incidence of heart diseases, while men account for 25.53 per cent.
The public health expert and senior epidemiologist warned that lifestyle-related and non-communicable diseases — including cancer, chronic pulmonary disorders, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes — pose a major public health challenge in the state.
“About 20 per cent of Kerala’s population is diabetic and therefore more vulnerable to heart, kidney, pancreatic, and neurological diseases,” Dr. Purohit said.
He observed that while Kerala excels in crisis management, it lacks a long-term health strategy. “The state boasts Western-level health indicators but has overlooked the sustainability of its achievements in eradicating infectious diseases,” he pointed out.
Dr. Purohit further stated that 180 out of every 1,000 people in Kerala suffer from chronic illnesses, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen preventive and promotive primary healthcare instead of relying solely on expensive super-speciality treatments.
“There is a need for a comprehensive overhaul of Kerala’s health policy to tackle this dual epidemic through prevention, not just treatment,” he added.
Cardiac problems leading cause of death in Kerala
