New Delhi: Health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic respiratory issues are becoming more worrisome in India. These ailments are commonly triggered by lifestyles characterised by a lack of activity, poor dietary choices, and persistent stress. This not only leads to a growing health challenge but also places a financial burden on society.
A study conducted by Fedo’s Health Insights platform thoroughly examined how digital technologies can assist in reducing and managing the risks associated with these health issues. Fedo is a health-tech company that employs artificial intelligence to evaluate health indicators and anticipate potential diseases. They offer a customised health rating system that provides individuals with advice on how to actively manage their health and wellness effectively.
The report’s findings offer a snapshot of pressing health concerns. Around 18% of users showed irregular heart rate patterns, often a warning sign of coronary heart disease. Another 22% exhibited low heart rate variability, a metric closely tied to stress and cardiovascular health. Elevated blood pressure stood out as a key issue, with 31% of users affected—a reminder of the widespread risks of hypertension, including potential kidney damage. Obesity, another critical factor, was flagged in 28% of users, linking it to heightened risks for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Smoking also emerged as a notable contributor to health risks, with 17% of users identifying as smokers. This habit is closely tied to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Abnormal respiration rates were observed in 16% of users, often indicating chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Elevated random blood sugar levels were detected in 20% of users, pointing to risks of diabetes or prediabetes.
The report categorised users into specific NCD risk groups, with 21% flagged for diabetes based on blood sugar and obesity indicators. Hypertension was identified in 29% of users, often linked to unmanaged or undiagnosed high blood pressure. Cardiovascular diseases were highlighted in 17% of users based on heart rate and blood pressure irregularities. Chronic respiratory diseases were associated with abnormal respiration rates in 16% of users, while risks for coronary heart disease were flagged in 15% of users. Chronic kidney disease risks, closely tied to hypertension and diabetes, were observed in 12% of users.
Urban and rural disparities were evident in the report. Urban users demonstrated higher engagement with health-monitoring platforms, with 65% actively tracking their vitals. However, urban lifestyles contributed to higher obesity rates, with 33% of users classified as obese, compared to 24% in rural areas. Sedentary habits and stress were major contributors to these disparities. Among rural users, 35% displayed elevated random blood sugar levels, reflecting limited access to preventive healthcare. Smoking prevalence was also higher in rural areas, with 21% of users identifying as smokers, exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular risks.
Behavioral insights from the report indicate that digital interventions can lead to meaningful lifestyle changes. Among flagged users, 47% reported adopting healthier diets, increasing physical activity, or reducing smoking. Notably, 35% of smokers reduced or quit smoking after receiving risk notifications. Despite these positive changes, physical inactivity remained a concern, particularly among urban users, contributing to higher BMI and cardiovascular risks.
The Fedo Vitals report underscores the transformative potential of digital health platforms in addressing the growing NCD burden. By providing actionable insights and encouraging proactive management, these tools empower individuals to make informed health decisions. However, addressing underlying disparities in healthcare access, promoting awareness, and ensuring affordability remains critical to improving outcomes for both urban and rural populations.
Smoking also emerged as a notable contributor to health risks, with 17% of users identifying as smokers. This habit is closely tied to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Abnormal respiration rates were observed in 16% of users, often indicating chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
