Heart diseases are among the biggest health concerns in India, increasingly affecting younger and younger people due to changing lifestyles, rising stress levels, unhealthy food habits, and lack of physical activity. 

Specialists at Gurugram-based Medanta- The Medicity, named India’s Best Hospital by Newsweek in 2026, noted that today, most working professionals have sedentary routines, long working hours, irregular sleep, and suffer from mounting mental stress. However, they emphasized, a large number of cases and deaths can still be prevented through simple lifestyle changes and timely awareness.

Padma Shri awardee Dr. Praveen Chandra, Chairman, Interventional Cardiology at Medanta Gurugram highlighted that nearly 90% of heart-related deaths can be avoided by adopting healthier daily habits such as regular exercise, balanced eating, stress management, and avoiding smoking. He said, “Heart disease is no longer limited to older people. We are seeing younger patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and stress-related heart problems. The encouraging part is that most of these risks are modifiable. Small but consistent lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the chances of developing serious heart conditions.”

Dr. Chandra explained that lack of physical activity remains one of the biggest contributors to cardiovascular disease, and reduced outdoor activity has resulted in declining fitness levels among people of all age groups. 

Urging people to view heart health as a daily commitment and emphasizing that prevention remains the most powerful medicine, Dr. C Manpa Phom, Associate Consultant, Interventional Cardiology at Medanta Gurugram said, “People often think they need intense workouts to stay healthy, but even simple activities can make a major difference. Walking for 45 minutes at least four to five days a week, maintaining a healthy diet, sleeping adequately, and reducing stress can go a long way in protecting the heart.”

The doctors stated that tobacco use and smoking continue to be major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. Avoiding smoking, limiting processed foods, and increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables can substantially improve long-term heart health.

At the same time, they stressed that India’s healthcare system offers advanced treatment options and high-quality cardiac care that are comparable to global standards. Dr. Chandra said, “Twenty-five years ago, many people travelled abroad for advanced heart treatment. Today, India has world-class cardiac care, advanced technology, and highly trained specialists. But the biggest victory is not treatment after a heart attack -- it is preventing the disease before it happens. Awareness and healthier living can save millions of lives.”

The doctors underlined that greater awareness, timely intervention, and healthier daily habits can significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and help people lead longer, healthier lives. They said that healthier choices today can help prevent serious complications tomorrow.