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World Heart Day 2025: Rising Heart Disease in the Young - Why Waiting Is Dangerous

New Delhi: Heart disease is no longer a condition of the elderly—it is alarmingly affecting people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Sedentary lifestyles, stress, unhealthy diets, and late diagnoses are driving a surge in cardiac cases among the young. On this World Heart Day 2025, leading cardiologists share their insights, highlighting why timely awareness, early screening, and preventive action are critical to protecting heart health before it’s too late.

1. Prof. (Dr) M. Wali

MD FRCP FACC (USA), Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi

Padma Shri Dr. Mohsin Wali, a distinguished cardiologist, stands as one of the most respected figures in Indian medicine. His remarkable journey began with the rare honor of becoming the youngest physician to serve an Indian President. Over the course of his career, he has achieved an unparalleled distinction—being the only physician to have served three Presidents of India. This unique achievement reflects his exceptional expertise, commitment, and service to the nation.

Recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2007, Dr. Wali has made immense contributions to advancing cardiology and medicine in India. His dedication to patient care, medical innovation, and clinical excellence continues to inspire generations of doctors and healthcare professionals. Beyond his clinical accomplishments, Dr. Wali embodies compassion, vision, and leadership, qualities that make him not only a healer but also a role model in Indian healthcare. His journey remains a testament to perseverance and service.

2. Dr. Rahul Singhal

Director – Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology at Fortis Hospital Jaipur

Dr. Rahul Singhal, Director of Cardiology, Jaipur, stresses that heart disease is no longer just a concern for the elderly—it is rapidly affecting young adults, often without any warning. According to him, modern lifestyles marked by high stress, processed foods, smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise are silently damaging young hearts at an alarming rate.

He has observed that many young patients tend to ignore early warning signs such as fatigue, chest discomfort, palpitations, or breathlessness, believing they are too young to face cardiac issues. This, he cautions, is a dangerous assumption that can lead to sudden cardiac events or irreversible damage.

Dr. Singhal’s advice is clear: do not wait for a crisis. Prioritize regular health check-ups, maintain a balanced diet, exercise at least 30 minutes daily, and manage stress proactively. Even small lifestyle changes—quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol, incorporating yoga, meditation, or mindfulness—can significantly reduce risk.

On this World Heart Day, he urges everyone to commit to healthier habits and spread awareness, wishing all a strong and healthy heart.

3. Dr. Lal Daga

MBBS, DNB (Med.), DNB (Card) MNAMS, FESC (International), FEAC, Advanced Cardiology Training Programme (Seoul), Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad

Dr. Lal Daga emphasizes that heart disease is no longer just a concern for the elderly—it is rising rapidly among the young. Stressful lifestyles, lack of exercise, unhealthy diets, and late diagnosis are putting today’s youth at serious risk. Waiting until symptoms appear can be dangerous, as heart conditions often progress silently. If you have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, a family history of coronary artery disease, or a smoking habit, it is essential to get your heart health evaluated in advance.

His advice is simple: adopt preventive measures early. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and routine health check-ups are not just recommendations—they are lifesaving habits. Awareness and timely action, especially when risk factors or early signs of heart illness are present, can protect our hearts and save countless lives.

On this World Heart Day, Dr. Daga urges everyone to pledge to prioritize heart health—not only for ourselves but also for our families and future generations.

4. Dr. Rajinder Thaploo

MBBS, MD (Medicine), DNB (Cardiology), FSCAI, FISC, FAPSIC, Senior Interventional Cardiologist & Cath Lab Director

Heart disease is striking young Indians with alarming frequency. Heart attacks in the 20s and 30s are no longer rare. Stressful lifestyles, erratic diets, smoking, and prolonged inactivity are silently pushing a generation towards premature heart disease.

The tragedy is not just the illness—but the delay. Too often, warning signs like chest pain, palpitations, or unexplained fatigue are brushed aside until it is too late. In my practice, I have seen young lives cut short simply because medical help was sought late. In cardiology, time lost is heart lost—and sometimes, life lost.

The way forward is awareness and prevention. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quitting tobacco, stress control, and periodic health checks are essential. Equally important is to act on early symptoms without hesitation.

This World Heart Day, let us pledge: don’t wait for tomorrow to protect your heart—the time is now.

5. Dr. S. S. Murthy

Director & HOD – Cardiology, Ayushman Hospital and Health Services, New Delhi

Dr. S. S. Murthy emphasizes that heart problems among young adults (20–44 years) are rising at an alarming pace. Multiple factors contribute to this trend. Obesity and diabetes are increasing sharply—between 2009 and 2020, obesity rates in young adults rose from 32.7% to 40.9%, while diabetes cases climbed from 3% to 4.1%. Hypertension, now affecting 1 in 10 young adults, can cause thickening of the heart muscle, damage blood vessels, and elevate heart attack risk. Smoking one pack a day doubles the risk, while vaping raises it by 34%. Chronic stress, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, and post-COVID complications have further added to the burden.

Dr. Murthy highlights the importance of calculating a risk score for every individual, based on age, cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking history. Those in intermediate or high-risk groups must adopt preventive measures—maintaining healthy weight, regular exercise, stress management, avoiding tobacco and vaping, and undergoing routine health check-ups. Timely awareness and action can significantly lower risks and safeguard heart health in the young.

6. Dr. Mayuresh Pradhan

Chief Cardiac Surgeon Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, Mumbai, MCH CVTS KEM Hospital Mumbai, Fellowship in Advanced CVTS - Apollo Hospital Chennai, Cardiac Transplant and Advanced CVTS Fellowship, Auckland New Zealand

As a cardiac surgeon, I am deeply concerned by the sharp rise in heart disease among the young. What was once considered a problem of the 50s and 60s is now striking in the 20s and 30s. Studies show that nearly half of heart attack cases in India today occur in people under 40. The reasons are many—stress, irregular lifestyles, poor diet, lack of exercise, and the habit of ignoring early warning signs. I have seen young professionals, full of promise, suddenly land in the operating room with life-threatening heart disease. The most dangerous mistake is waiting—waiting for symptoms to get worse, waiting to ‘find time’ for a check-up, or waiting to make lifestyle changes. On this World Heart Day, my message is simple: do not wait. Get screened early, make heart-healthy choices today, and take small steps that protect your future. Because when it comes to your heart, waiting can cost a lifetime.

7. Dr. Abdul Mansoor

Interventional Cardiologist, Mangalore

Heart disease is no longer just a concern of the elderly — it is rising rapidly among the younger population. Stressful routines, irregular sleep, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol, and unhealthy food habits are silently damaging heart health. The most dangerous part is that symptoms often appear late, when the disease has already progressed.

My strong advice is to take prevention seriously. A healthy heart is built through small but consistent steps — eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, practicing stress management, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and going for regular health check-ups. These are not optional lifestyle tips, they are essential habits to save lives.

World Heart Day is a reminder that waiting can be dangerous. Let’s not ignore the warning signs and instead make timely choices that secure our heart health for the future. By taking care of ourselves today, we also protect the well-being of our families and future generations.

Let us pledge to keep our hearts stronger, healthier, and happier.

8. Dr. Jaydutt B Tekani

MBBS, MD, DNB Cardiology, FSCAI, FESC, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist - K K Patel Super Speciality Hospital, Bhuj, Gujarat

Heart disease is no longer a condition confined to the elderly; alarmingly, we are seeing a sharp rise among people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The modern lifestyle—sedentary habits, high stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and rising obesity—has accelerated this trend. The danger lies not only in the disease itself but also in the delay—most young individuals ignore early warning signs, attributing chest discomfort, fatigue, or palpitations to stress or exhaustion. This hesitation can cost precious time, turning treatable conditions into life-threatening emergencies. The good news is that heart health can be safeguarded with conscious choices: regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, timely health check-ups, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol. My appeal to the youth is simple—don’t wait for tomorrow to care for your heart. Prevention started today is far more powerful than treatment delayed tomorrow. On this World Heart Day, let us remember that a strong, healthy heart is the foundation for a longer, fuller life.

9. Dr. Khalil Saikh

Interventional Cardiologist, Mumbai

Heart attacks among young adults are becoming increasingly common, a concerning trend that has been observed globally, including in India. Risk factors include Sedentary Lifestyle, Obesity and Diabetes Smoking , Vaping and stress. SCAD , coronary spam and stress induced cardiomyopathy are other than traditional cause of heart attack . Early detection and prevention of heart attack is necessary . “Time is muscle" is a crucial concept in cardiology, emphasizing that prompt treatment during a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) is essential because lost time leads to a greater loss of heart muscle, which can result in permanent damage, complications, or even death. Every minute counts: the longer the blockage, the more heart muscle is permanently damaged.

Preventive care is more effective early on

  • Screening tests (ECG, lipid profile, 2D Echo etc.) can catch risk factors before they cause serious damage.
  • Once advanced symptoms appear, treatment options are more limited and outcomes worse. Waiting is dangerous because heart disease is often silent until it’s too late. Acting early — recognizing symptoms, getting tested, and making lifestyle changes — can save lives.

10. Dr. Naveen Garg

Incharge in the Department of Cardiology, Faridabad

Dr. Naveen Garg emphasizes that the theme of this World Heart Day, “Never Miss a Beat,” is particularly relevant to India. The country is home to a large Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha population, who also faces a growing burden of heart disease. Evidence shows that death related to heart diseases are increasingly prevalent among younger age groups. This paradigm shift from an old-age disease to one affecting the young raises serious questions about lifestyle.

Our technology-driven lives have made us physically weaker. Dr. Garg stresses the importance of “pausing” for one’s health—every beat of the heart should be healthy and productive. Regular visits to a cardiologist, nutritionist, and psychologist are essential. Maintaining a balanced mind and heart, through good nutrition, yoga, social connections, and routine health check-ups, is critical.

He warns that virtual lifestyles, sedentary habits, stress, poor nutrition, and loneliness are causing young people to “miss” their heartbeats. To stay healthy and live better, this generation must reconnect with the real world and never miss any beat.

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Daily Astro

04-06-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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04-06-2026