Heart disease is striking earlier than ever: Top cardiologists share what every Indian needs to know

A healthy heart rarely demands attention, until something goes wrong. But across India, heart disease is becoming a concern for people much earlier in life than many expect. Busy schedules, irregular meals, poor sleep, stress, diabetes, smoking, and a lack of preventive health checks are creating a perfect storm for cardiac problems.

Against this backdrop, TOI Medithon brought together leading cardiologists from across the country to simplify conversations around heart health. The discussions moved beyond medical jargon and focused on practical questions people often ask: How can heart disease be prevented? Why are younger people at risk? What happens after a heart attack? And why do women often miss the warning signs?

The experts shared a common message throughout the event: protecting the heart is not about a single test, medicine, or procedure. It is about the choices made every day, often years before any symptoms appear.

Prevention begins long before disease appears

One of the strongest themes to emerge from the discussions was that prevention remains the most powerful treatment available.

Dr Sanjat Chiwane highlighted how heart health is built through ordinary daily habits rather than extraordinary measures. A structured routine, waking up on time, exercising regularly, eating a balanced breakfast, practising portion control, getting adequate sleep, and spending quality time with family all contribute to long-term cardiovascular wellbeing.

Adding to this, Dr Shafeeq Mattummal stressed that there is no "perfect age" to start thinking about prevention. The right time, according to him, is now. Waiting for symptoms to appear often means missing valuable opportunities to reduce risk.

Dr Ravindran Rajendran also pointed out an important misconception: feeling healthy is not always the same as being healthy. Symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeats, unexplained blackouts, or episodes of dizziness should never be ignored. Many serious heart conditions develop quietly, making regular health screening just as important as staying physically active.

The discussion reinforced a simple but often overlooked truth: heart disease usually develops over years, and prevention works best when it starts before any warning signs appear.

Why young hearts need attention too

Heart health is no longer a topic reserved for older adults. Experts at the Medithon noted that Indians tend to develop heart disease at a younger age compared to many Western populations.

Dr T. Parthasarathy explained that the foundations of cardiovascular health are laid early in life. Risk factors can begin accumulating from childhood, which is why preventive strategies should start long before adulthood.

The conversation also addressed modern lifestyle habits that have become increasingly common among younger generations. Dr V. Senthilkumar noted that junk food consumption is higher than people realise. Many packaged foods, sugary beverages, and convenience snacks gradually become part of daily routines without attracting much attention.

Combined with long screen hours, reduced physical activity, disrupted sleep schedules, and rising stress levels, these habits can slowly affect heart health over time. The danger is that the consequences may not become visible until years later.

The experts emphasised that healthy habits adopted during adolescence and early adulthood often have a lasting impact. Small decisions made today can influence cardiovascular health decades down the line.

Recovery after a heart attack is more than physical healing

For many families, surviving a heart attack feels like the end of a crisis. In reality, recovery is often the beginning of a new journey.

Dr Tejas Pandya highlighted that rebuilding a patient's confidence is one of the most important steps after a cardiac event. Fear and uncertainty can linger long after hospital discharge. Patients worry about whether they can exercise, travel, return to work, or resume normal life.

Alongside emotional recovery, medication adherence, dietary changes, regular follow-up appointments, and appropriate rest become essential parts of rehabilitation.

Dr Shailendra Trivedi explained that the timeline for returning to work varies from person to person. Factors such as the extent of heart damage, current heart function, overall recovery, and the patient's willingness to resume routine activities all influence the decision. While some individuals may return within a few weeks, others may require a longer recovery period.

The session highlighted a reality that families often overlook: recovery is not measured only by healing of the heart muscle but also by the restoration of confidence, independence, and quality of life.

Understanding the unique challenges of women’s heart health

One of the most important discussions of the Medithon focused on women, a group whose cardiac symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed.

Dr Arya Subhadra explained that hormonal changes throughout a woman's life can significantly influence cardiovascular health. During younger years, estrogen offers certain protective benefits. However, as women approach menopause, changes in cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity, and body fat distribution can increase cardiovascular risk.

She also noted that conditions such as PCOS and physiological changes during pregnancy deserve attention because they may influence future heart health.

Dr Vatchsala Sree V discussed how heart disease symptoms in women do not always fit the traditional image of severe chest pain. While chest discomfort remains common in both men and women, females may also experience unusual fatigue, breathlessness, abdominal discomfort, bloating, or unexplained weakness.

These symptoms are often mistaken for digestive problems, exhaustion, or routine stress, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

The discussion served as a reminder that recognising heart disease in women requires greater awareness, both within families and within the healthcare system.

The hidden burden of stress on the heart

Stress emerged as a recurring theme across multiple sessions, particularly in discussions around women's health.

Dr Lakshmi Durga noted that chronic emotional stress is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Women, especially those balancing caregiving responsibilities alongside professional and household duties, often face continuous psychological pressure.

Stress does not affect only the mind. It can contribute to high blood pressure, hormonal changes, metabolic disturbances, and other conditions that increase cardiovascular risk over time.

What makes stress particularly challenging is that it often becomes normalised. Many people learn to live with exhaustion, anxiety, and constant pressure without recognising the potential impact on their health.

The experts underscored that caring for the heart also means caring for mental and emotional wellbeing. Managing stress is not a luxury; it is an important part of cardiovascular health.

The discussions at TOI Medithon reflected a shift in how heart health is being viewed today. Prevention must begin earlier. Young people can no longer assume they are too young to be at risk. Recovery after a heart attack requires emotional as well as physical healing. Women need greater awareness of their unique cardiac symptoms. And stress remains a major but often invisible contributor to heart disease.

Perhaps the most important lesson from the event was that heart health is shaped by everyday choices. The decisions made around sleep, food, exercise, stress management, and regular health check-ups may seem small in the moment, but together they determine the heart's future.