By the time you finish reading this sentence one more Indian will have died of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is now the leading cause of death worldwide and in developing countries like India, the relative proportion of deaths from infectious diseases is on the decline, whilst that from chronic illnesses such as heart disease is on the rise. Contrary to popular belief heart disease is no longer the dubious distinction of the rich in India, but is prevalent in large numbers throughout the socioeconomic strata.

Heart disease occurs when blockages build up in the arteries supplying blood to the heart. These blockages slowly build up over time due to risk factors. The major risk factors for heart disease are:

Age: Men, older than 45 years and women older than 55 years are at a higher risk.

Family history: Your risk increases if a close family member (parents and siblings) has had heart disease.

Blood Pressure: High blood pressure, which is defined as greater than 140/90 mmHg. Your ideal blood pressure should be 120/80 or below.

Diabetes: You have diabetes, if your fasting blood sugar is greater than 126 mg/dl on more than one occasion

Cholesterol: to keep your risk level low your total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dl and your HDL cholesterol (the 'good' cholesterol) should be above 40 mg/dl

Smoking: Any amount of smoking or tobacco chewing is a major risk factor for heart disease and cancer.