NEW DELHI: Piku ’s father Bhaskor Banerjee, in the latest Shoojit Sircar flick, suffers from severe constipation . As it turns out Mr Banerjee’s problem is representative of a disturbing trend. 14% of India’s urban population suffers from chronic bowel movement, an inability to pass stools for more than three times in a week and for more than three months at a stretch, a latest study has claimed.While piles or haemorrhoids, ulcers, abdominal pain, anal fissures and fistula are some of the known medical conditions spawned by constipation, experts say heart attacks and strokes are also common among sufferers.“Constipation requires straining to pass motions which may cause slower blood circulation resulting in clotting of blood. This in some cases may be a vital cause for heart attacks and strokes,” says Dr Brij B Agarwal, vice chairman of the department of laparoscopic and general surgery at Ganga Ram Hospital .Agarwal said heart attacks, which often occur during morning hours (usually the time to pass stools), are common among constipated patients.Globally, 10% people suffer from the disease.In India, the incidence is high in Mumbai and Coimbatore, where almost every two out 10 people suffer from chronic constipation. In Delhi and Kolkata, the incidence is 13%. While the incidence is comparatively low in Hyderabad and Lucknow, data indicates suffering is higher in these cities. Around 81% people in Hyderabad and 85% in Lucknow with constipation do not pass motion for three or more consecutive days, showing a higher intensity of suffering.Though incidence of chronic constipation increases with age, experts say it has strong links with food habits and lifestyle. Around 20% of people in the age group of 45 to 65 years were found suffering from chronic constipation, against an overall average of 14%.Findings show chronic constipation is linked to food habits including significantly higher intake of non-vegetarian food, low intake of water and eating out.A major concern surrounding constipation is lack of awareness about the seriousness of the disease and patients’ hesitation to approach doctors for related problems.The study found 80% of people with chronic constipation looked for a solution only after they faced the issue multiple times, while 60% of people opt for home remedies as the most preferred treatment option for relief.The findings are part of ‘Gut-Health Survey’ conducted by a pharmaceutical firm Abbott along with Ipsos, a global market research agency. Abbott, which has products in the gastroenterology space, said it conducted the survey to assess consumer behavior on constipation.