Uncovering the Hidden Risks of Heart (Cardiovascular) Disease

By: Dr. Ritankur Barkotoky, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Narayana Hospital, Guwahati

Fast food consumption has become a defining feature of modern diets. While convenient and satisfying, meals such as burgers, pizzas, fried chicken, and processed sandwiches pose serious risks to heart health even in younger people & children. The association between regular fast food intake and serious diseases like cardiovascular disease, Liver disease, & Cancers is now well-established through multiple clinical studies and epidemiological surveys.

Fast foods are often high in saturated fats and trans fats, both of which adversely affect cholesterol levels. Saturated fats increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, while trans fats not only raise LDL but also lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the ‘good’ cholesterol. This imbalance accelerates the process of atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.

In addition to unhealthy fats, many fast foods are extremely high in sodium and refined carbohydrates. Excess sodium intake promotes hypertension, a leading contributor to heart disease. Refined carbohydrates can lead to spikes in blood sugar and insulin resistance, further compounding cardiovascular risk and Metabolic disorders like Diabetes & fatty liver disease.  Frequent consumption of fast food meals, often characterised by oversized portions and high calorie density, also plays a significant role in the rising prevalence of obesity, another major risk factor for heart disease.

It is important to understand that occasional consumption of fast food within an otherwise balanced diet is unlikely to cause harm. However, habitual reliance on fast foods, especially in combination with sedentary lifestyles, amplifies the danger significantly. The engineered appeal of fast food, rich flavours, enhanced textures, and large portions can easily encourage overeating, making moderation challenging for many individuals. In India, due to a high amount of unhealthy carbohydrates & fatty foods, incidents of fatty liver disease increased exponentially, even in school-going children. It affects almost 50% of the population. Now, fatty liver disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly, apart from causing other symptoms

Protecting cardiovascular health requires thoughtful dietary choices. Prioritising fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats over processed and fast foods remains a fundamental strategy. Awareness of the hidden risks associated with frequent fast food consumption empowers individuals to make better decisions for their long-term heart health. Nothing can match a home-cooked healthy food with regular physical activity like 30 minutes of walking in preventing heart & metabolic disease like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease & sleep apnoea in the younger population.

Heart disease often progresses silently over the years. Understanding the powerful role diet plays in its development offers an opportunity for early intervention and prevention.