Richer Indians May Face Higher Heart Disease Risk, Study Finds: What Explains the Link?

A new study has found that Indians who have remained economically well-off throughout their lives may have a higher likelihood of developing heart disease than those who have consistently lived in financial hardship. The findings challenge the common assumption that better financial status always translates into better cardiovascular health.

Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status across a person's lifetime and cardiovascular disease among middle-aged and older Indians.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers analysed data from 65,364 Indians aged 45 and above who participated in the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India in 2017-2018. They considered participants' financial circumstances during childhood and adulthood to understand how economic status over time was associated with heart health.

Participants were divided into four groups: those who remained economically well-off, those who remained economically disadvantaged, those who moved from poverty to greater financial security, and those whose economic circumstances declined.

Compared with people who remained economically disadvantaged, those who were consistently well-off had:

• 1.8 times the odds of congestive heart failure
• 1.7 times the odds of a heart attack
• 1.43 times the odds of an abnormal heart rhythm
• 1.37 times the odds of other reported heart diseases

The consistently affluent group also had 23% higher odds of cardiovascular disease overall than the consistently disadvantaged group.

These figures represent relative odds, not the absolute probability of developing heart disease. The study identified associations and does not establish that wealth itself causes cardiovascular disease.

Also Read: Can Stress Damage Your Heart Even If Your Tests Are Normal?

Why Could Wealth Be Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk?

Researchers also found associations between upward economic mobility and several cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, higher body mass index, abdominal fat, and diabetes.

Lifestyle changes that sometimes accompany improved financial circumstances could partly explain this relationship. Greater access to cars and other conveniences, more sedentary work, reduced physical activity, and changes in dietary habits may contribute to metabolic risk.

However, the study did not establish which specific lifestyle factors caused the observed differences. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these associations.

Financial security can improve access to healthcare, nutritious food, and preventive services. Therefore, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence that being wealthy is inherently harmful to heart health.

Does This Mean Poor Indians Have a Lower Risk?

No, the results do not mean that financially disadvantaged people are protected against cardiovascular disease.

People with limited financial resources may face barriers to preventive health checks, diagnosis, medicines and long-term treatment. Smoking, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and uncontrolled blood pressure can increase cardiovascular risk across socioeconomic groups.

Other research in India has also shown that cardiovascular risk factors are becoming increasingly widespread among poorer and rural populations. This makes it important to ensure that heart health services reach people across income groups.

The study focused on adults aged 45 and older, so its findings should not automatically be applied to younger Indians.

Also Read: Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack vs Heart Failure: Key Differences Explained By Cardiologist

How Can Indians Reduce Their Heart Disease Risk?

Regardless of income or financial background, people can take practical steps to protect their heart health.

• Stay physically active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, if medically appropriate.
• Eat a balanced diet: Include vegetables, fruit, pulses, wholegrains, nuts and other nutritious foods. Limit excess salt, added sugar and highly processed foods.
• Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar: Regular checks can help identify risk factors before complications develop.
• Avoid tobacco: Smoking and other forms of tobacco use increase cardiovascular risk.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Pay attention to abdominal fat as well as overall body weight.
• Seek timely medical advice: Follow prescribed treatment for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

Final Word

The study highlights how a person's financial circumstances throughout life may be associated with their cardiovascular health. However, wealth alone does not determine heart disease risk. Lifestyle, metabolic health, access to healthcare, and other factors also matter.