The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Gujarat is on the rise, as evidenced by a 42% increase in sales of cardiac therapy drugs over the past two years. Data from Pharmarack reveals that the moving annual total (MAT) for cardiac drug sales in the state rose from Rs 1,105 crore in November 2022 to Rs 1,571 crore in November 2024, signalling troubling health trends.
The MAT offers a 12-month rolling calculation of sales figures, providing continuously updated insights. Sheetal Sapale, Vice President of Commercial at Pharmarack, spoke to a section of media, “The overall disease incidence is high, with a sizeable population over 40 years of age suffering from hypertension or kidney-related ailments. Additionally, advancements in treatment options, including high-end molecules and innovative drugs such as semaglutide and Vericiguat, have driven this growth.”
Sapale further noted that the anti-obesity drug segment has also expanded significantly, with obesity recognised as a key precursor to CVDs. Increased awareness and proactive treatment among the population have also contributed to rising drug sales.
Health experts attribute Gujarat’s rising CVD cases to poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and heightened stress levels. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities and health awareness initiatives have resulted in earlier detection and more widespread treatment.
Dr Jayesh Prajapati, Head of Cardiology at the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre, emphasised the importance of cholesterol management through statins for preventing CVDs. “Post-Covid, we’ve observed an increase in cardiac issues. However, there’s also greater awareness about cardiac health across age groups, leading to more tests and preventive measures. This may partly explain the increase in medicine sales,” he said.
Urbanisation and evolving food habits have exacerbated the situation in Gujarat. Senior cardiologist Dr Jay Shah from HCG Hospitals highlighted the critical role of preventive medications such as blood thinners and beta blockers. “While outpatient departments haven’t experienced a comparable rise in patient numbers, prescriptions for primary prevention by general practitioners may account for the growth in medication sales,” he explained.
Dr Shah also underscored the importance of ongoing medication for patients who have undergone cardiac procedures. “For these individuals, medication is essential to maintain their health status. While new classes of drugs have been introduced in recent years, many CVD patients continue to rely on tried-and-tested treatments,” he added.
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