Mumbai saw 26 heart attack deaths every day in 2022

Two silent killers continue to haunt Mumbaikars. In 2022, statistics showed that one person died of heart attack or cancer every hour in the city. Experts blame sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food habits and stress, as they are major contributors to these issues, and have raised concerns about younger people getting heart ailments.

According to the data provided by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Health Department, in 2022, a total of 94,538 people died due to communicable and non-communicable diseases. Of these, the maximum number of deaths was due to heart attacks. In 2022, 9,470 people died from heart attacks, which means heart attacks claimed 26 lives a day. In 2022, cancer claimed 9,145 lives.

Watch out Mumbaikars

Dr Ajay Chaurasia, head of cardiology at BYL Nair Hospital said, "The disease mostly seen in senior citizens is now being seen in younger people. The biggest reason behind heart disease is a sedentary lifestyle. Also, people are consuming junk food like there is no tomorrow. Stress due to work, family, relationships, career, and education also goes on accumulating. People are not taking time out to spend with family, friends and doing exercise and meditation. I think the time has come to teach children from childhood what is good for their health. If children are aware then adults will be too. A good diet, exercise, and positive lifestyle will help overcome the problem or else we will continue to see mortality."

Youngsters should not consume too much junk food

Prof and Head of the Cardiology Department at Bombay Hospital Dr Anil Sharma said, "An improper diet, inadequate sleep, stress and no physical activity are now affecting the younger population. This is an eye-opener for Mumbaikars. One has to live a stress-free life, stop having alcohol and tobacco, meditate, eat fruits and vegetables, and do moderate physical activity according to the demands of one's age."

Also Read: Mumbai: Now all facilities under one roof at KEM hospital

Early detection necessary

The second disease that has claimed the lives of people in Mumbai is cancer. In the year 2022 cancer claimed the lives of 9,145 people.

Speaking to mid-day, Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, deputy director of the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology at Tata Memorial Centre said, "Most of the cancer cases reported to us come in an advanced stage, that means patients have very little chance of long survival. So BMC and the government have to focus on early detection of cancer. The preventive medicine department in tertiary care hospitals and medical colleges can play a vital role in prevention and awareness. There is a need for preventive medicine department oncology. The BMC dispensary should create awareness about common cancers like oral, and cervical, which have a high prevalence and are more seen in poor, lower middle-class people. Doctors must be trained to identify the signs and symptoms of cancer. Early diagnosis will lead to timely treatment and the mortality number will go down."

He further added, "Though the government has banned gutkha and pan masala, their sale is on openly. Celebrities promoting these items should be stopped or else people will do the same as they are watching their idols. The government must take strict action against the sellers of banned tobacco products. Alcohol consumption is on the rise and is also one of the reasons for cancer. If the government does not take action, these numbers will go up in the future."

Top 7 that claimed Mumbaikars in 2022

Cause No. of deaths
Heart attack 9,470
Cancer 9,145
TB 3,281
Brain haemorrhage 2,304
Brain stroke 1,876
Liver failure 1,710
Kidney failure 1,591