Heart attack is the cause of every fourth death in India; relying on 'normal health reports' can be costly.

News Topical, Digital Desk : The risk profile of heart attacks in India is rapidly changing, affecting people of all ages. Heart attacks account for one in four deaths in the country, with young people being the most vulnerable.

Such rising cases are becoming a major public health challenge. A study conducted at GB Pant Hospital in Delhi revealed that approximately 80 percent of patients who were initially considered low-risk during medical examinations later suffered heart attacks.

This number is rising rapidly, and cases of sudden and unwarranted heart attacks are also occurring at this age. This risk increases further between the ages of 30 and 40, where stress, irregular lifestyles, obesity, and early-onset diabetes are the main causes.

Why is the pressure on the heart increasing? 

Career pressures, financial burdens, and lack of sleep all negatively impact the heart. Smoking, vaping, and drug use damage blood vessels and narrow them . Experts say that long hours of sedentary work, eating junk food, staying up late, and a stressful daily routine have increased cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart attacks.

While approximately 25 percent of such cases occurred in the 40- to 50-year-old age group, the 50- to 60-year-old age group remains the most affected (30 to 35 percent). The highest mortality rate is observed in people over 60 years of age.

More than 300,000 deaths due to heart disease

The situation in Delhi is also worrisome. According to the Civil Registration System (CRS) and other government data, more than 34,000 deaths from heart and circulatory diseases were recorded in 2024, a sharp increase compared to previous years. Over the past two decades, more than 300,000 people in Delhi have lost their lives due to heart-related diseases .

Experts attribute this to pollution, a stressful lifestyle, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It has also been revealed that risk calculators based on Western countries are not fully applicable to India. Experts believe that a unique heart risk assessment model needs to be developed for India.

Additionally, people should focus on regular checkups, a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management, rather than relying on a "normal report." Children and adults whose parents have had heart disease should consult a doctor and get regular testing.

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