Lung diseases' burden much higher than Lancet's projection: Doctors

Indian doctors have expressed concerns that the burden of lung-related disorders in the country may be higher than projected by a recent Lancet study, due to high levels of air pollution and tobacco consumption.

According to the study published in May, ischaemic heart disease will continue to be the leading cause of death around the world, followed by stroke, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In ischaemic heart disease, narrowing of vessels in the organ reduces blood flow.

The study projected that men and women around the world could live longer by up to five and four years, respectively.

"It is going to remain the number one killer and disabling disease with continued bad lifestyle and increasing stress. Yet, there is a lack of understanding of the exact mechanism of formation of these blockages (in the heart's blood vessels). Till we understand the mechanism, the solutions cannot be found," said Dr Atul Mathur, Executive Director, Interventional Cardiology