Guwahati, June 21, 2025: Taking a significant step towards addressing one of the country’s critical healthcare challenges - which is rising heart health issues in Indians, especially among the younger population—Medanta - The Medicity creates awareness in Guwahati. Ranked as the Best Private Hospital in India by Newsweek for six consecutive years, Medanta focuses on, the growing burden of hypertension, and the impact of sleep apnea on cardiovascular health under the banner of “Mission Save Heart.”

Held alongside a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event and specifically targeting cardiologists, the conference was led by Dr. B. C. Roy National Awardee Dr. R. R. Kasliwal, Chairman, Clinical & Preventive Cardiology, Cardiac Care, Medanta, Gurugram. The initiative aimed to shed light on the alarming rise in heart attacks among young Indians, the growing burden of hypertension, and the increasing prevalence of sleep apnea—highlighting their impact on cardiovascular health and exploring available treatment options and advancements in cardiac care.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as heart disease and hypertension, account for 17.7 million deaths globally and remain the leading cause of mortality.[1] According to the World Health Organization, India contributes to one-fifth of these deaths, particularly among the younger population. Notably, cardiovascular diseases tend to affect Indians nearly a decade earlier than their Western counterparts. Several aspects of the CVD epidemic in India are cause for concern, including its rapid progression, early onset in the population, and high case fatality rate.[2]  Although obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease share common risk factors, epidemiological studies indicate that sleep apnea independently increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Emphasizing the importance of awareness and access, Dr. R. R. Kasliwal, Chairman, Clinical & Preventive Cardiology, Cardiac Care, Medanta, Gurugram said, “The prevalence of heart disease is increasing alarmingly in India, accounting for 1.7 million deaths annually.According to the Global Burden of Disease report, nearly one-fourth of all diseases in India stem from cardiovascular conditions[3], primarily driven by the "4 Hs"—Heart attack, Hypertension, Heart failure, and Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy). These interconnected conditions often act as both causes and consequences of one another. Hypertension silently damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and heart failure. A heart attack, caused by blocked blood flow, can weaken the heart muscle, leading to heart failure. Over time, these issues can result in cardiomyopathy, where the heart becomes enlarged or stiff, further compromising its function.

He added, “With India witnessing a surge in heart attacks among young adults—now a leading cause of death in the 40–69 age group—there is an urgent need to address this growing crisis. Through 'Mission Save Heart,' Medanta aims to raise awareness, empower individuals to take preventive action, and ensure communities have access to timely, quality cardiac care. However, the shortage of trained cardiologists and widespread misconceptions—such as the belief that heart disease only affects the elderly or that symptoms are always dramatic—continue to hinder early diagnosis and treatment. This makes it imperative for doctors, healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public to work together to bridge care gaps, promote accurate information, and foster a heart-healthy culture, especially among our youth.”

As part of the “Mission Save Heart” initiative, Medanta is engaging with communities, educating healthcare professionals, and delivering world-class care. Every young Indian deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life, and initiatives like these are important steps toward that goal.

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6994761/#bib1
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27142605/
[3]https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.114.008729#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Global%20Burden,to%20CVD%20(Figure%201A).&text=The%20age%2Dstandardized%20CVD%20death,000%20population%20(Table%201).