India’s Heart Crisis Needs A Lifestyle Reset, Not Just Medical Intervention: Doctors

Ahead of the World Heart Day 2025, experts here stressed the urgent need for a preventive, not just curative approach as they called for greater focus on mental health, lifestyle changes, and early interventions to counter the rising burden of cardiovascular disease.

“Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Instead of pushing young people into burnout, we must guide them to build patience, resilience and balance,” said Rajesh Bhushan, former Health Secretary and Chairperson of the Illness to Wellness Foundation. He called for mental wellness to be nurtured early—within families and reinforced in schools. “Solving the heart health crisis demands long-term behaviour change, not just treatment,” he added.

Themed “Heart Care – Don’t Miss a Beat,” the conference brought together leading cardiologists, health officials, and policymakers to discuss the growing incidence of heart disease in India—particularly among younger populations—and the urgent need for integrated care that addresses both physical and emotional health.

One of the most alarming trends flagged during the event was the surge in heart attacks among people under 55. “Nearly 60% of heart attacks in India now occur below this age,” warned Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Director at Delhi-based Safdarjung Hospital. “The cost of prevention is just a fraction of treatment, yet lifestyle-related factors continue to push younger people into cardiac risk zones.”

Dr. KK Talwar, Chairman of PSRI Heart Institute, echoed this concern, citing job stress, long working hours, poor diets and lack of physical activity as major contributors. “It’s not just about genetics anymore. Stress and lifestyle are major triggers,” he said, calling for CPR training at the community level and greater awareness in schools, homes, and workplaces.

Adding to the conversation, Dr. Bipin Kumar Dubey, HOD Cardiology and Principal Director, Interventional Cardiology at Max Hospital, drew attention to the rising number of women presenting with heart conditions. “Earlier, it was believed that women were naturally protected from heart disease until menopause due to hormonal factors. But that’s changing,” he said. “Today’s women juggle multiple roles, face high stress levels, and in some cases, lead sedentary or unhealthy lifestyles—including smoking—which all add to the risk.”

Dr. Pallavi Kawatra, Franchise Medical Head (Cardiovascular) at Novartis, highlighted the importance of awareness around personal risk factors for heart disease. Speaking at the Illness to Wellness conference, she emphasised that individuals must take a proactive role in understanding their heart health. “If you have a family history of heart disease, don’t ignore it—genetics play a significant role. It’s important to consult doctors early, assess your risk profile, and monitor key indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle habits,” she said. Knowing your vulnerabilities, she added, can be the first step toward preventing serious cardiac events.

Dr. Vinayak Agarwal, Senior Director and Head of Clinical Cardiology at Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, pointed out that heart disease is now the leading cause of death in India, with unhealthy lifestyle habits like high-calorie diets, trans fats, pollution, and chronic stress playing a central role. “We need to move from awareness to action—prevention is our best weapon,” he added.

Dr. Pankaj Ranjan, HOD Cardiology, Yatharth Hospital, Noida and Greater Noida, emphasised that stress is among the biggest silent killers today, especially for urban professionals. “Night duties, poor sleep, erratic work hours—all of these disturb the body’s natural rhythm and raise cardiovascular risk,” he said. “People need to take charge of their well-being through stress management, regular exercise, and lifestyle balance.”

The experts agreed that India needs a national movement to protect its heart health. Experts called for a multi-pronged approach—mental health integration, preventive screenings, community participation, and emergency preparedness, including mass CPR education.

Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Advisory Council of the Illness to Wellness Foundation, highlighted the Government’s initiatives such as NPCDCS, PM-JAY, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, along with wellness drives like Fit India, Khelo India, and Har Ghar Yoga. “These programmes are creating awareness and building a health-seeking culture, but they need stronger community engagement,” he said.