A study conducted by Kovai Medical Center and Hospital has revealed a rising burden of “silent” heart disease among rural populations, indicating that cardiovascular risks are no longer limited to urban areas.
The REACH Rural India Study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, screened more than 3,000 adults aged between 35 and 65 from rural areas around Coimbatore and Tirupur. Using a non-invasive coronary artery calcium scan to detect calcium deposits in the heart’s arteries, researchers found that nearly one in four apparently healthy rural adults showed early signs of heart disease.
The study found that men were more affected, with 33.5 per cent showing early signs compared to 18.5 per cent of women. More than 83 per cent of those with early signs of heart disease also had at least one risk factor such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Principal investigator Thomas Alexander said the findings highlight that heart disease risk is no longer confined to cities, as changing lifestyles are increasing cardiovascular risks in rural communities.
Lead researcher S Mohanraj said identifying heart disease at an early stage provides an opportunity for preventive treatment and lifestyle changes before a heart attack occurs. Chief Radiologist Mathew Cherian emphasised that early imaging helps detect hidden risks and guide timely medical care.
Congratulating the research team, KMCH Chairman and Managing Director Nalla G Palaniswami said community-based research is crucial for improving healthcare access for rural populations. Executive Director Arun Palaniswami stressed the importance of early detection and screening programmes in preventing major cardiac events.
The study was supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research and involved researchers Avinash Kumar, Thomas Alexander, S Mohanraj, Mathew Cherian, Pudhiavan, Arulraj Ramakrishnan and Velmurugan.
