Hypertension: The most important non communicable disease risk factor in India

Non-communicable diseases are important causes of mortality and morbidity in India. Data from the Registrar General of India, World Health Organization and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study have reported that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most important causes of death and disability. Age-adjusted mortality from these conditions has increased by 31% in last 25 years. Case-control studies have reported that hypertension is most important risk factor for CVD in India. GBD Study has estimated that hypertension led to 1.6 million deaths and 33.9 million disability-adjusted life years in 2015 and is most important cause of disease burden in India. Intensive public health effort is required to increase its awareness, treatment and control. UN Sustainable Development Goals highlight the importance of high rates of hypertension control for achieving target of 1/3 reduction in non-communicable disease mortality by 2030. It is estimated that better hypertension control can prevent 400–500,000 premature deaths in India.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) & cardiovascular disease: An Indian perspective.

The role of low grade systemic inflammation as evidenced by elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular disease has been intensely investigated through observational studies and clinical trials in the past two decades. On the basis of evidence that has accrued, hsCRP measurement has been integrated into the Reynolds risk scoring system to predict cardiovascular risk. The JUPITER trial proved the benefit of statins in cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with low grades of systemic inflammation and ‘normal’ cholesterol levels. However, substantial evidence has been generated from western studies. We, therefore, conducted a scoping review for studies done in India with a view to identify gaps in evidence and make further recommendations. Most Indian studies had small sample sizes and short term follow ups. There were no large population based prospective studies where patients were followed up for long periods of time for major cardiovascular end points. An analysis of the hsCRP level from the control arms of case-control studies derived a mean hsCRP value of 1.88 mg/l, which is higher than the western population where values < 1 mg/l are classified as low cardiovascular risk. Further large prospective cohort studies with longer term follow ups are essential before we can make further recommendations to integrate hsCRP into risk prediction models for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Polypharmacotherapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

India is likely to have the highest absolute burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related morbidity and mortality in the world. The prevalence of risk-factors (RFs) is high, particularly in the young, and a strategy to reduce RF prevalence in a large population needs to be developed. It is possible to modify risk factors at the individual level or at the population level. The latter is likely to have a greater impact. Current evidence shows that the reduction of risk factors such as BP or serum cholesterol from any level (rather than above a particular threshold) confers potential benefits. At present, lifestyle interventions have not demonstrated the benefits in reducing CVD related mortality and morbidity. A polypharmacotherapy strategy (2-3 BP lowering drugs, a statin, and aspirin) has promise to considerably reduce CVD-related mortality and morbidity. Such a therapy could target a large proportion of the population, intervene simultaneously on multiple RFs, and have wide acceptability. Cost and adherence are important issues for the success of this strategy. Adherence is suboptimal even for secondary prevention. A fixed-dose combination (FDC) of these drugs may improve adherence and reduce costs. But prior to recommending the wide-spread use of an FDC polypharmacotherapy strategy, studies are required to systematically evaluate its efficacy and safety and then determine the adherence, cost, and acceptability in the population. Studies are ongoing in India and other countries to determine the role of FDC polypharmacotherapy in the primary prevention of CVD. Such FDC therapy may reduce costs, improve adherence, and reduce CVD events at the population level; especially in developing countries such as India.