Heart health: What every cardiologist wishes you knew when it comes to cardiac care

How to keep heart healthy: Get screened early, especially if you are over the age of 35 or have a family history of heart disease (Image: Pexels)

Heart disease is no longer a problem faced only by the elderly or the affluent. In India, it has become a widespread health crisis, affecting younger populations and rural communities alike. Sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, diabetes, and hypertension can be blamed for fuelling the problem.

India holds one of the highest burdens of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) globally, with an age-standardised death rate of 282 per 100,000, compared to the global average of 233. “Over the last two decades, we’ve moved from medicine-based management to complex interventional procedures,” Dr Praveen Chandra, Chairman of Interventional Cardiology, Medanta, Gurugram, tells Moneycontrol. “Today, India performs over 500,000 cardiac procedures annually. We’re doing valve replacements and angioplasties that were once limited to the West,” he adds.

According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, urban-rural differences remain stark. While large hospitals in metro cities offer robotic-assisted surgery and TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), smaller towns struggle with basic facilities. "We still see patients coming in too late, when damage is already done. Awareness and early detection are critical—and tragically lacking," Dr Chandra notes.

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Despite the fact that procedures in India cost 70–80 percent less than in Western countries, they remain unaffordable for large sections of the population. “Cost is a real barrier. So is fear and lack of awareness,” the expert says.

How to keep your heart healthy: 5 ways to stay ahead of the curve

Preventive cardiology is the best defence. Here’s what Dr. Chandra recommends:

• Get screened early, especially if you are over the age of 35 or have a family history of heart disease.
• Manage your blood pressure and sugar. These are silent killers that rarely show symptoms.
• Don’t underestimate the power of exercise, move every day and aim for at least 30 minutes of walking, stretching or basic activity.
• Say no to smoking and limit alcohol. Also, avoid second-hand smoking.
• Use variable tech wisely, fitness bands and ECG apps can catch warning signs early.

Building a more inclusive future

With government schemes, telemedicine, and public–private partnerships stepping in, the future isn’t bleak. “We’re seeing cutting-edge technologies like AI being used to read ECGs, and 3D printing for surgical planning. Even in remote areas, wearable devices are making real-time monitoring possible,” says Dr Chandra.

FAQs on How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

1. How often should I get screened for heart disease?

It is recommended to get screened early, especially if you are over 35 or have a family history of heart disease.

2. What lifestyle changes can help maintain heart health?

Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes a day, managing blood pressure and sugar levels, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake are vital.

3. How can technology aid in monitoring heart health?

Fitness bands and ECG apps can help detect early warning signs, providing timely alerts for any irregularities.

4. Why is managing blood pressure and sugar levels important?

High blood pressure and sugar are silent killers that often show no symptoms but can cause severe heart damage over time.

5. What role does diet play in heart health?

A balanced diet low in saturated fats, salts, and sugars, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can significantly improve heart health.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.