Medical experts urge early checks and lifestyle changes to tackle rising heart disease

Medical experts are calling for a greater focus on early detection and prevention of heart disease, urging people to go for timely health check-ups and stay physically active. Renowned heart surgeon Dr Shriram Nene stated that heart disease is endemic in India and across the world, and that the medical community must shift its focus from acute care to early recognition and prevention.

Expert Warnings

Cardiac surgeon and Medanta chairman and managing director Dr Naresh Trehan warned that younger people are increasingly affected by heart attacks and cardiac arrests, especially as India witnesses a high incidence of such emergencies. Dr Trehan advised that individuals with a family history of heart disease and diabetes should get a medical check-up before the age of 25, while those without a family history should undergo a comprehensive assessment before 30. Public health expert Prof Monika Arora, Vice President-Research and Health Promotion Division at the Public Health Foundation of India, attributed the rise in cardiovascular diseases to lifestyle shifts and a nutrition transition from traditional diets to Western diets, while also highlighting the risks of smoking, smokeless tobacco, and vapes. Dr Amit Gupta, Executive at the Global Metabolic Health Alliance, emphasized the need to manage metabolic factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, fatty liver, and body weight, while also noting childhood obesity as a growing concern and advising regular health monitoring for the elderly.

Context

World Heart Day was observed globally on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and the importance of early intervention. Public health discussions around heart health frequently focus on lifestyle modifications, dietary awareness, and managing chronic metabolic conditions to reduce long-term health risks.