High blood pressure often causes no pain. High cholesterol may not change how you feel. Diabetes can damage blood vessels for years before a major warning appears. Heart disease can therefore progress quietly until an emergency exposes it.

According to WHO’s global CVD fact sheet, an estimated 19.8 million people died from Cardiovascular diseases in 2022. These deaths represented about 32% of all deaths worldwide.

Heart attacks and strokes caused nearly 85% of those deaths. Could you be at risk even when you feel fine?
 

What Are Cardiovascular diseases ?

The global mortality figures cover a wide group of disorders involving the heart and blood vessels.

Cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital conditions, deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

A heart attack usually occurs when a blockage stops blood from reaching part of the heart. A stroke can happen when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.

The global CVD fact sheet also reports that more than three-quarters of related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Delayed diagnosis and limited access to treatment or emergency care can worsen outcomes.
 

Why the Risk Often Remains Hidden

Underlying blood-vessel damage may not produce clear symptoms. For some people, a heart attack or stroke becomes the first sign that something is wrong.

High blood pressure is one of the biggest silent risks. It can gradually damage arteries and increase the chance of stroke, heart failure and kidney problems.

Routine checks can detect problems before they become emergencies.
 

Heart disease: Are You at Risk?

Tobacco use, unhealthy food, physical inactivity and harmful alcohol use are major behavioural risks. Air pollution also contributes to cardiovascular damage.

These risks can lead to high blood pressure, raised blood glucose, abnormal cholesterol, overweight and obesity.

Age and family history also matter. A close relative’s early cardiac illness may justify earlier screening.

One risk factor does not mean that a heart attack is certain. However, several risks occurring together can greatly increase the danger.
 

The Health Numbers You Should Know

Feeling healthy cannot tell you whether your blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol is under control.

A routine health assessment may include:

• Blood-pressure measurement
• Blood-glucose testing
• A cholesterol or lipid profile
• Weight and waist-related risk assessment
• A review of family and medical history

Testing schedules depend on age, existing conditions and medical advice. The goal is to identify manageable risks early.
 

Heart Attack Warning Signs

The global CVD fact sheet lists pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest as a possible warning sign. Pain may also spread to the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw or back.

Other symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Light-headedness or faintness
• Cold sweating
• Turning pale

Women can also experience chest discomfort. However, they may be more likely than men to report shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and back or jaw pain.

Do not dismiss sudden chest discomfort as gas or stress. Seek urgent care, especially when breathing becomes difficult.
 

Stroke Signs Need Immediate Action

The most common stroke sign is sudden weakness in the face, arm or leg, often on one side of the body.

Other warning signs include sudden numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, trouble understanding speech, vision changes, dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty walking or a severe unexplained headache.

Fainting or unconsciousness can also occur.

A stroke is time-sensitive. Do not wait to see whether the person improves. Contact emergency medical services immediately.
 

India’s Hypertension Challenge

The risk is especially important in India.

The WHO India hypertension page estimates that around 220 million people in the country live with hypertension. It also reports that only about 12% have their blood pressure under control.

This treatment gap matters because hypertension is both detectable and manageable. When it remains undiagnosed or uncontrolled, it quietly increases the chance of a medical emergency.

Salt can enter the diet from more than the salt shaker. Pickles, papad, packaged namkeen, instant foods, sauces and restaurant meals may all add to daily sodium intake.
 

How to Reduce Your Risk

The strongest approach combines healthier choices, regular testing and appropriate treatment.

Stop using tobacco in all forms, including cigarettes, bidis, hookah and smokeless products. Try to avoid second-hand smoke as well.

Eat more vegetables, fruits, pulses, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Reduce highly processed food, sugary drinks, trans fats, excess saturated fat and salt.

The healthy-diet guidance recommends that adults keep salt intake below five grams per day. It also encourages meals based largely on minimally processed foods.

Regular movement is equally important. The physical-activity guidance recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week for adults. Walking, cycling and dancing can contribute to that target.

People with high blood pressure, diabetes or abnormal cholesterol should take prescribed medicines consistently. Do not stop treatment simply because one test result improves.

Never begin aspirin, statins or blood-thinning medicines without medical advice. These drugs can cause harm when used incorrectly.
 

Rheumatic Heart Damage Also Matters

Rheumatic heart damage can develop after rheumatic fever affects the heart valves.

Possible symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, chest pain and fainting. Rheumatic fever may cause fever, painful or swollen joints, nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

Early medical assessment is important, especially when these symptoms follow a throat infection.
 

Protection Starts Before an Emergency

Nearly 20 million deaths represent families who often faced an illness recognised too late.

You do not need to wait for chest pain to take Heart disease seriously.

Know your blood pressure. Check glucose and cholesterol when advised. Reduce tobacco exposure, excess salt and inactivity. Follow prescribed treatment.

Most importantly, act quickly when heart attack or stroke warning signs appear. With Heart disease, early screening and fast emergency care can change the outcome.

This article is for general awareness and does not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified medical professional.