Assessing the effectiveness of virtual reality in enhancing cardiovascular health and motivation towards healthy lifestyle habits in the people at risk of developing coronary artery disease- A experimental study

Coronary artery disease (CAD), caused by the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques in the heart’s arteries, is a major global health issue, leading to over 7 million deaths annually. In 2022, there were an estimated 315 million cases worldwide, with rising prevalence in India—especially among younger individuals and urban populations. Modifiable risk factors like poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and obesity play a significant role in CAD development, while non-modifiable factors include age, sex, and genetics. Traditional health education methods often fall short in motivating lasting lifestyle changes. Emerging technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) offer immersive, personalized experiences that can improve awareness, motivation, and engagement with healthy behaviors. VR’s potential in promoting prevention, especially among high-risk groups, highlights its value in reducing the burden of CAD and improving quality of life through early intervention and behavior change.