Respiratory ailments killing more citizens………Pratibha Masand
MUMBAI: For the second consecutive year,heart diseases were one of the top killers preying on stressed out Mumbaikars afflicted with high blood pressure,hypertension and high cholesterol levels.The usual suspect,tuberculosis,trailed behind by a huge margin followed by cancer and pneumonia.But whats sent alarm bells ringing among the medical fraternity is a 20.17% rise in deaths due to respiratory tract infections such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD) and bronchial asthma,which now figure in the top-five killer list.
Data from the civic body for the year 2008the BMC is still compiling figures for 2009shows that 23,849 citizens succumbed to heart diseases,an increase of nearly 2.8% from 2007.Dr Ameya Udyavar,consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist at P D Hinduja Hospital,says it comes as no surprise to see heart diseases such as heart attacks and coronary artery disease make it to the top position.He puts it down the sedentary lifestyle of the middleclass.We have been observing a consistent increase in death due to heart diseases for over the last ten years.Everybody wants to travel in their cars,and eating junk food has become a way of life. It doesnt help,he adds,that Asians are genetically more prone to heart problems.
The Big Five
* Respiratory tract infections 20.17%
* Cancer 9.32%
* Pneumonia 6.09%
* Heart Disease 2.79%
* Tuberculosis 0.81%
* Respiratory tract infections 20.17%
* Cancer 9.32%
* Pneumonia 6.09%
* Heart Disease 2.79%
* Tuberculosis 0.81%