siliconindia | | OCTOBER 20258A nation can survive political upheavals, economic crises, even pandemics but what happens when it's very heartbeat begins to falter?India stands at a pivotal moment, its heart beating under the weight of a silent epidemic. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claim 27% of the nation's mortality, striking a decade earlier than in Western countries and increasingly ensnaring the young. With over 213 million hypertensives projected by 2025, the crisis is not a distant threat but a present reality reshaping lives from Delhi's skyscrapers to Kerala's backwaters.This isn't about pinning red ribbons for World Heart Day, it's about confronting a uniquely Indian challenge where genetics, lifestyle, climate, and systemic gaps collide. Through a lens of innovation, resilience, and urgency, this article delves into why India's hearts are failing, how environmental shifts amplify the crisis, and how technology and policy can forge a healthier future.Manu Sankar Das, Head of Brand Marketing at MediBuddy, said, "Heart health cannot be an afterthought in today's fast-paced world. In the face of a silent epidemic like sudden cardiac arrest, reactive medical aid alone is not enough. Our #EverySecondCounts campaign is a call to action urging everyone to be prepared for emergencies by mastering CPR, while also embracing everyday habits that build lasting heart resilience. This World Heart Day, we're not just inspiring awareness, we're empowering individuals to take charge of their heart health and help transform outcomes for families and communities across India".Why Hearts Are Falling Before PrimeIndia's cardiovascular crisis defies global patterns. Heart attacks here don't wait for grey hair, they strike tech professionals mid-pitch or farmers mid-harvest. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) notes that 50% of heart attack victims are under 40, driven by genetic markers like the MYBPC3 mutation prevalent in South Asians and lifestyle shifts. The National Crime Records Bureau reported a 14% surge in heart attack deaths, from 28,413 in 2021 to 32,457 in 2022. Ischemic heart disease and strokes account for 80% of CVD fatalities, with heart failure rates climbing.Shalabh Dang, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, CARE Group of Hospitals, said, "At CARE Hospitals, we believe the heart is more than just an organ, it's an emotional compass that thrives when nurtured. Our World Heart Day film, `Dil toh baccha hai... har din nayi kahaani likhta hai,' reflects the struggles of today's professionals and reminds us that listening to our hearts is the first step toward a healthier, happier life".What fuels this fire?Urbanization's double edged sword, instant noodles replacing home-cooked dals, and air-conditioned offices breeding inactivity. In rural heartlands, where 65% of Indians reside, access lags only 10% of primary health centers boast basic ECG machines. Yet, the real wildcard is the mental toll, common disorders like depression and anxiety, affecting 10-15% of adults, inflate CVD risk by 1.5-2 times through inflammation and unchecked blood pressure. As we edge into 2025, the National Heart Failure Registry's insights from 10,850 patients underscore the disparity, ischemic causes dominate at 71.9%, with one-year mortality varying wildly by etiology, hitting hardest in low-income brackets where early intervention is a luxury.This isn't simple statistics, it's a generational theft. Young Indians, poised to power the economy, are sidelined EDITORIAL EXCLUSIVEINDIA'S AWAKENING TO THE RISING CARDIOVASCULAR RISKS M R Yuvatha, Senior Correspondent, siliconindia· Heart diseases are rising, affecting younger populations due to lifestyle, genetics, and limited healthcare access.· AI, wearables, and tele-cardiology improve detection, monitoring, and timely intervention.· GST reforms, preventive care, and healthy habits empower individuals to reduce risks and strengthen heart health.
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