Heart pill sales explode 50% in 5 years: What's fueling India's cardiac crisis?
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The rise in heart disease cases across India is now showing up clearly in pharmacy counters. Sales of cardiac medicines have gone up by over 50% in just five years, according to a recent Pharmarack report quoted by TOI.From June 2021 to June 2025, sales grew from Rs 1,761 crore to Rs 2,645 crore, with a steady yearly growth of 10.7%. These figures come from 17 major Indian pharmaceutical companies that account for more than half of the market.Doctors say there are many reasons behind this increase. First, there is better awareness about heart diseases. Also, more people are getting diagnosed thanks to improved access to health checks. New rules have also changed how hypertension is measured.'Earlier, a reading of 130-140 was considered high. Now, even above 120 is taken seriously,' said Dr Suraj Nagre of JJ Hospital.India's population is also ageing. 'As people live longer, heart problems become more common,' said senior cardiologist Dr Akshay Mehta.Heart medicines today go beyond just lowering cholesterol. There is a growing demand for drugs that treat heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, and chest pain. 'Many of these medicines work together,' explained Dr Ramakanta Panda.For example:The recent deaths of celebrities and young fitness lovers due to heart attacks have made many people more cautious. Dr Charan Lanjewar from KEM Hospital said that in most cardiac arrest cases, 'there isn't a single cause. It's usually a mix of lifestyle, stress and poor habits.'Government data shows that 63% of all deaths in India are from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and 27% of those are linked to heart problems.Inputs from TOI
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