Rise of heart disease among young Indians a wake-up call for change, say experts at TOI Medithon Part-4

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting individuals at an increasingly younger age. Factors like poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress, smoking, and diabetes contribute significantly to cardiovascular issues. In India, genetic predisposition makes people more vulnerable, making early awareness crucial.
To create awareness about heart disease and emphasize on the importance of a healthy lifestyle TOI organised a Medithon on February 14.
Renowned cardiologists and health experts addressed the gathering, sharing insights on risk factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, stress, and lack of regular health check-ups. They urged individuals to adopt heart-friendly habits, including daily exercise, balanced nutrition, and mental wellness practices.
Watch TOI Medithon Part 4
First session: Heart Diseases and youngsters-Amazing Heart, Amazing Life with Expert Insights
The first session highlighted the growing incidence of heart disease among young individuals and stressed on the increasing prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity among the youth.
Dr. Prathap Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, Chief Interventional Cardiologist, Meditrina Group of Hospitals, Kerala emphasized the importance of growing one’s own vegetables, highlighting a key gap in our country’s approach to healthy living. He encouraged individuals to take up new activities within their households, fostering self-sufficiency and well-being. He also pointed out that many youngsters today prefer to buy food rather than prepare nutritious meals, a habit that needs to change for better health.
Sharing valuable advice for heart health, Dr. Thomas Alexander, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Head Of Division Of Cardiology, Kovai Medical Center & Hospital, Coimbatore urged youngsters to focus on their necessities and practice mental decluttering. According to him, a clutter-free mind plays a significant role in maintaining overall well-being. His tips serve as a reminder to prioritize health and make mindful choices.
Dr. Saumitra Ray, Senior Interconventional Cardiologist, Visiting Consultant, Manipal Hospital, Kolkata shed light on the rising incidence of heart disease among youngsters, emphasizing the need for awareness and prevention. He noted that in India, diseases tend to manifest nearly a decade earlier than in other countries due to factors like genetics. Understanding risk factors and taking proactive measures are crucial steps toward safeguarding heart health.
Second session: Strategies to Prevent Heart Diseases: Know your numbers- Amazing Heart, Amazing Life with Expert Insights
Preventing heart disease requires maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular health monitoring. Awareness and proactive steps play a crucial role for long-term heart health.
Dr. Tarun Madan, Director of Cathlab & Cardiology, Star Hospital & Ananta Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat stressed the urgent need for lifestyle changes to combat the rising cases of heart disease in India, especially post-COVID. He attributed the increase to a sedentary lifestyle and emphasizes the importance of daily movement. His key recommendations include walking 10,000 to 15,000 steps daily, avoiding elevators, cutting down on junk food, and reducing screen time. Simple yet effective changes can make a significant impact on heart health.
Dr. Vijay Pathak, Senior Professor (Cardiology), Consultant Cardiologist, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan highlighted the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle and suggested a practical approach to breaking free from it. He believes that following age-old traditions eliminates the need for modern weight-loss techniques. Instead of structured workouts, he advocates for intermittent physical activity throughout the day, promoting a more natural and sustainable way to stay active.
Addressing obesity as a major risk factor for heart disease, Dr. D K Baruah, Sr. Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Apollo Hospitals, Visakhapatnam differentiated between generalized obesity and central obesity—the latter being particularly dangerous as it affects the abdominal region and significantly increases heart-related risks. He emphasized that understanding the root causes of obesity is essential for effective prevention and management.
Third session: Heart Disease in Women: the known and the unknown- Amazing Heart, Amazing Life with Expert Insights
Heart disease is a leading cause of death among women but is often overlooked due to its atypical symptoms.
Dr. C S Srinivas Raju, Chief Interventional Cardiologist, Director of Cardiac Sciences, KIMS Hospital, Nellore highlighted that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among Indian women. He warned that the younger population is increasingly at risk due to high stress levels, lack of physical activity, and other contributing factors such as diabetes, alcohol consumption, and smoking. To safeguard heart health, he stressed the importance of lifestyle modifications and preventive care.
Discussing the symptoms of heart disease in women, Dr. K Jaishankar, Director & Clinical Lead Cardiology & Electrophysiology, Director Cathlab Services, Medway Heart Institute, Chennai pointed out that cardiac symptoms in women can be difficult to recognize. While central chest discomfort and pain radiating to both arms are common, many women also report gastric discomfort, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed attention. He emphasizes that women often seek medical care later than men and may not receive the same level of urgency, making awareness and timely intervention crucial.
Dr. B Ramesh, Senior Consultant, Professor & HOD Cardiology, Apollo Hospital, Bangalore provided dietary recommendations for Indian women to maintain a healthy heart. He advocated for traditional, indigenous foods while minimizing the consumption of non-traditional items like pizza and pasta. He advised incorporating plenty of vegetables, reducing salt intake, and undergoing routine heart check-ups to ensure early detection and prevention of heart-related issues.
Fourth session: Managing Heart Diseases- Amazing Heart, Amazing Life with Expert Insights
Effective management of heart disease involves lifestyle modifications, proper medical care, and regular health monitoring.
Dr. Karasani Srinivasa Reddy, Interventional Cardiologist, Founder & Managing Director, Mahatma Gandhi Hospitals, Narasaraopet, Guntur highlighted the importance of managing heart disease through regular check-ups and a well-balanced diet. He strongly recommends incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables into daily meals and emphasizes the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which is known for promoting heart health.
Discussing the urgency of cardiovascular events, Dr. Jay Shah, Head – Dept of Cardiology, HCG Hospitals, Mithakhali, Ahmedabad stresses that an unattended heart attack can have fatal consequences. He emphasized the necessity of an ECG for early detection and urged that patients displaying symptoms should be rushed to the hospital immediately for timely intervention.
For those recovering from a heart attack, Dr. Prabhu C Halkati, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Shantaladevi Polyclinic, Shastri Nagar, Belagavi reassured that it is possible to lead a normal life post-treatment. He advised patients not to dwell on the disease but instead focus on heart care through proper diet and exercise. He specifically highlighted the role of yoga, recommending at least 45 minutes of daily practice to strengthen both physical and mental well-being.
The TOI Medithon Part 4 successfully reinforced the message that prevention is key, inspiring many to make lasting lifestyle changes and prioritize their cardiovascular well-being.