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Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Deadline diet India's young workforce faces cardiac scare
Young Indians are increasingly facing heart issues. Doctors report a rise in cardiac cases among those in their 20s and 30s. Stress, lack of sleep, and unhealthy lifestyles are major factors. Sedentary jobs and poor diets contribute to the problem. Even post-Covid inflammation increases the risk. Sales of heart-related drugs have significantly increased. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads For 31-year-old techie Kumar, long hours at work carrying well into the night often led to stress eating, coupled with an occasional drink (or two) to "take off the edge".The excesses magnified over the weekend, till one day when what he suspected was an episode of indigestion turned out to be a heart attack. Kumar, who doesn't want to reveal his full name, has now been put on a strict diet by his doctor. He has been asked to cut out all unhealthy food, stop eating out and is not an isolated case. Leading cardiologists are sounding the alarm bells as they see an increase in people in their 20s and 30s being hospitalised for cardiac issues. Stress, lack of sleep, pollution and working at odd hours have all contributed to the increase in heart disease among young people, said noted cardiologist Naresh Trehan."The numbers are worrisome; out of 34 beds in my ICU, nine are occupied by patients under 40," said Naveen Bhamri, vice-chairman of cardiology at Max Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi's Shalimar Bagh, who performed an angioplasty on a 39-year-old this week. "A majority of my patients are in their 20s and 30s, who see long periods of inactivity due to being stuck at their desks, stressed out by the constant urban hustle and pressure to hit corporate targets."Nishith Chandra, director, interventional cardiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in the national capital, said he is seeing 10-20 patients in the age group of 20-30 years every month with heart-related key drivers behind this trend are sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, high stress, poor sleep and mental health issues, Chandra said. "Undiagnosed hypertension, post-Covid heart inflammation, use of steroids and unsafe gym supplements, smoking, alcohol and recreational drug use are some other factors," he across the country are reporting increased cases of young professionals having cardiovascular diseases, sudden cardiac arrests and heart attacks."Not all of them have the typical triggers like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and family history. Recent data shows that one in four individuals having heart attacks are aged 40 and under," said M Sudhakar Rao, consultant - cardiology at Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur, Bengaluru Tight deadlines and work pressure, constant hustle culture and impending burnout are causing Indian professionals to remain in sedentary positions for most of the day, get less sleep, and turn to unhealthy, processed foods - all of which can contribute significantly to the risk of heart attacks, say medical is the diabetes and hypertension capital of the world, and people are genetically more predisposed to getting heart diseases, often earlier than their counterparts in the West, said Mukesh Goel, senior consultant - cardiothoracic and heart and lung transplant surgery at Delhi's Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. "There's a difference of 10-15 years with the West."Telehealth consultation data from Plum shows two-thirds of cardiac consultations come from the 25-40 age group, showing a premature cardiovascular ageing in India's prime working demographic."We've observed that 71% of Indian working professionals are at moderate risk of chronic disease, showing warning signs across blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and obesity," Saurabh Arora, cofounder of the insurtech startup, told has increased the risk further, said Trehan. "People who got serious Covid actually have much higher chance of developing heart disease because there is inflammation of the arteries, and the heart muscle became weak. So, if those who got serious Covid were not checked out then they should get it now".Sales of drugs in the cardiac category have risen almost 50% in five years to ₹30,723 crore in the 12 months through May 2025, according to data from market research firm PharmaTrac."Consumption of lipid-lowering agents, antianginal therapies and heart failure therapies have almost doubled in the last five years with Indians experiencing heart disease 5-10 years earlier than the global average. The age group has now come down to 30-40 years from earlier 50-60 years, said Sheetal Sapale, vice-president, commercial at of cardiac products increased 11.7% in 2024 compared with the year before.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Stress at work? Doctors see rise in heart diseases among young executives
Bengaluru | New Delhi: For 31-year-old techie Kumar, long hours at work carrying well into the night often led to stress eating, coupled with an occasional drink (or two) to 'take off the edge'. The excesses magnified over the weekend, till one day when what he suspected was an episode of indigestion turned out to be a heart attack. Kumar, who doesn't want to reveal his full name, has now been put on a strict diet by his doctor. He has been asked to cut out all unhealthy food, stop eating out and exercise. Kumar's is not an isolated case. Leading cardiologists are sounding the alarm bells as they see an increase in people in their 20s and 30s being hospitalised for cardiac issues. Ads By Google Ad will close in 27 Skip ad in 2 Skip Ad by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chuck Norris Begs Seniors: Avoid These 3 Foods Like The Plague Roundhouse Provisions Watch Now Undo Stress, lack of sleep, pollution and working at odd hours have all contributed to the increase in heart disease among young people, said noted cardiologist Naresh Trehan. 'The numbers are worrisome; out of 34 beds in my ICU, nine are occupied by patients under 40,' said Naveen Bhamri, vice-chairman of cardiology at Max Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi's Shalimar Bagh, who performed an angioplasty on a 39-year-old this week. 'A majority of my patients are in their 20s and 30s, who see long periods of inactivity due to being stuck at their desks, stressed out by the constant urban hustle and pressure to hit corporate targets.' Live Events Nishith Chandra, director, interventional cardiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in the national capital, said he is seeing 10-20 patients in the age group of 20-30 years every month with heart-related issues. The key drivers behind this trend are sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, high stress, poor sleep and mental health issues, Chandra said. "Undiagnosed hypertension, post-Covid heart inflammation, use of steroids and unsafe gym supplements, smoking, alcohol and recreational drug use are some other factors," he said. Hospitals across the country are reporting increased cases of young professionals having cardiovascular diseases, sudden cardiac arrests and heart attacks. 'Not all of them have the typical triggers like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and family history. Recent data shows that one in four individuals having heart attacks are aged 40 and under,' said M Sudhakar Rao, consultant - cardiology at Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur, Bengaluru. A 26-year-old who Rao recently treated for a clot removal and stenting of artery was sleeping only four hours daily due to work pressure and deadlines. Tight deadlines and work pressure, constant hustle culture and impending burnout are causing Indian professionals to remain in sedentary positions for most of the day, get less sleep, and turn to unhealthy, processed foods — all of which can contribute significantly to the risk of heart attacks, say medical professionals. India is the diabetes and hypertension capital of the world, and people are genetically more predisposed to getting heart diseases, often earlier than their counterparts in the West, said Mukesh Goel, senior consultant - cardiothoracic and heart and lung transplant surgery at Delhi's Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. 'There's a difference of 10-15 years with the West.' Telehealth consultation data from Plum shows two-thirds of cardiac consultations come from the 25-40 age group, showing a premature cardiovascular ageing in India's prime working demographic. 'We've observed that 71% of Indian working professionals are at moderate risk of chronic disease, showing warning signs across blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and obesity,' Saurabh Arora, cofounder of the insurtech startup, told ET. Covid has increased the risk further, said Trehan. 'People who got serious Covid actually have much higher chance of developing heart disease because there is inflammation of the arteries, and the heart muscle became weak. So, if those who got serious Covid were not checked out then they should get it now'. Rising sales of cardiac products Sales of drugs in the cardiac category have risen almost 50% in five years to Rs 30,723 crore in the 12 months through May 2025, according to data from market research firm PharmaTrac. The rising rate of cardiac diseases is driving the growth of cardiac therapy, propelled by strong uptake in lipid-lowering agents, anti- anginal therapies and heart failure treatments. "Consumption of lipid-lowering agents, antianginal therapies and heart failure therapies have almost doubled in the last five years with Indians experiencing heart disease 5-10 years earlier than the global average. The age group has now come down to 30-40 years from earlier 50-60 years, said Sheetal Sapale, vice-president, commercial at PharmaTrac. Sales of cardiac products increased 11.7% in 2024 compared with the year before. Some companies are stepping up to drive better awareness on heart health and risk factors and running regular check-ups on cardiac health. Manipal Hospitals has ongoing partnerships with companies like Samsung and Goldman Sachs to drive awareness sessions and organise heart check-ups. Companies like CoinDCX and Meesho have included an ECG check-up for their teams, in addition to checks for risk factors like cholesterol, BP and glucose, said Plum's Arora. More and more forward-thinking employers — especially in sectors like IT/ITeS, BFSI, pharma, and consulting — are beginning to shift their focus from insurance to prevention, said Nimitha Menon, health risk management consulting leader at Mercer Marsh Benefits. 'Key initiatives being adopted include early preventive screenings and targeted lifestyle intervention programmes, advanced cardiac screenings, including ECG, lipid profiling, and calcium scoring from age 30 onward, as well as onsite diagnostic kiosks and partnerships with health check-up providers,' she said.
India Today
20-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
It's not what you eat, but how: The cooking mistakes raising India's cholesterol
India is a land of turmeric, garlic, whole grains, and lentils -- ingredients celebrated globally for their health benefits, especially heart paradoxically, the country also faces a growing burden of lifestyle diseases, including high cholesterol, even among those who don't eat processed junk what's going wrong? Doctors say the problem lies not in what we eat, but how we prepare and consume a paradox based more on the way we prepare and what we mix, not the ingredients,' says Dr. Vivudh Pratap Singh, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, adding that Indian kitchens are rich in heart-healthy ingredients, but the issue is generally with "overcooking, excessive ghee, refined carbs, deep-frying, and poor portion control.'HEALTHY FOODS, UNHEALTHY HABITSAccording to Vandana Verma, Head of Dietetics at Sir Gangaram Hospital, India's food culture is nutritionally rich with millets, lentils, spices, and vegetables forming the base of many meals. But that potential is often lost due to cooking practices that damage their nutritional profile. Doctors say the problem lies not in what we eat, but how we prepare and consume it. () advertisement'Even nutrient-rich ingredients lose their benefits when paired with harmful cooking and eating practices. Deep frying, reusing oils, and using full-fat dairy and refined carbohydrates turn wholesome foods into cholesterol-raising meals," she highlights several problematic habits:Reused oils that form trans fatsExcessive frying of snacks and meatsPortion overload with carbs and fatsHidden sugars in chutneys, sauces, and sweetsSaturated fat overload from malai, ghee, and vanaspatiThese habits, combined with inactivity and late-night eating, create a perfect storm for rising cholesterol AND THE HIDDEN MARKERSCholesterol isn't inherently bad. It's a waxy substance that helps build cells and travels through the bloodstream as LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein).LDL is the "bad" kind that deposits cholesterol in artery is the "good" kind that removes cholesterol from the bloodstream. Cholesterol isn't inherently bad. It's a waxy substance that helps build cellsand hormones. () 'LDL puts cholesterol down, detrimental to the heart. HDL gets rid of it, beneficial to the heart,' Dr. Singh explains. 'Maintaining LDL levels low and HDL levels high is key.'advertisementBut doctors are now looking beyond just LDL and HDL. Dr. Singh points out four other important markers that reveal a more complete picture of cardiovascular risk:Non-HDL cholesterolApolipoprotein B (ApoB)Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), especially in those with a family history of early heart diseaseSmall, dense LDL particles, which are more likely to penetrate artery walls'These hidden markers often explain why some people with 'normal' LDL still face cardiovascular issues,' he CURES ARE REAL, IF YOU USE THEM RIGHTExperts agree that the Indian kitchen is still one of the best places to begin managing cholesterol, provided it's approached the right Singh recommends a daily mix of oats, fruits, five servings of vegetables, 30g of mixed nuts and green tea.'Together, this combination can naturally reduce LDL by up to 20–25%,' he Verma echoes this view, listing natural cholesterol-lowering foods:advertisementSoluble fibre from oats, apples, and flaxseedsPlant sterols from nuts and seedsOmega-3 fatty acids from walnuts, flaxseeds, and oily fishGarlic and green tea, known for their heart-supporting compoundsWhole grains and soy products, which support lipid control Experts agree that the Indian kitchen is still one of the best places to begin managing cholesterol, provided it's approached the right way. () She adds, 'Our heritage holds the answer. The goal is not to eliminate fat but to make smarter choices, grill instead of deep fry, control portions, use less oil, and avoid refined sugars and carbs.'Ultimately, managing cholesterol is not about trendy superfoods or extreme about rediscovering and respecting the logic behind traditional ingredients and cooking methods.'Our diet has the potential to safeguard the heart. The solution lies in reframing how we cook and consume, not what we prepare,' Dr. Singh concludes.
The Print
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Print
Delhi hospitals see spike in cases of heat-related illnesses
At Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, 7-10 per cent of the total outpatient department (OPD) patients have conditions linked to the heatwave, while 5-8 per cent have sought consultations for related symptoms, said Dr Avi Kumar, senior consultant of pulmonology at the hospital. People who work directly under the sun are more affected by the heatwave, for which a red alert has been issued in Delhi. New Delhi, Jun 12 (PTI) Hospitals across the national capital have been seeing a surge in patients due to the intense heatwave of the last few days, doctors said on Thursday. 'The cases that are coming are largely mild and not serious enough to require admission,' the doctor said. At the Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital, authorities have designated a separate area for patients who are working under the sun. 'The patients coming in are rickshaw-pullers, drivers, labourers, mostly those who are engaged in manual work. Patients come in with complaints of abdominal pain, vomitting, dehydration, dizziness. These cases have increases in the last three days,' the official added. Concurring with the LNJP official, Dr Mukesh Mehra, senior director of internal medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, said patients of heatwave mainly experience symptoms like include dizziness, dry flushed skin, disorientation, and gastrointestinal discomfort. He stressed that recognising the symptoms and implementing preventive measures is very important. Doctors warned that elderly individuals, children, and those with chronic conditions are particularly at risk and should take extra precautions. A red alert, the most severe warning level, was issued for Delhi as the city experiences an extreme heatwave, with temperatures rising between 40.9 and 45.0 degrees Celsius this week. 'Precautionary measures such as staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, wearing light and loose clothing, eating light meals, and remaining in cool environments, must be followed,' Kumar added. PTI SGV SLB SLB SKY SKY This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
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Business Standard
15-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Is this a heart attack? These are the warning signs every man must know
Have you ever felt a strange tightness in your chest and shrugged it off as gas, fatigue, or just a bad day? You're not alone, but that 'shrug' could be a life-threatening mistake. Men often miss or misread the warning signs of a heart attack. Let's break down what your body is trying to tell you, and exactly what you should do when it happens. According to Dr Sanjeeva Kumar Gupta, Consultant Cardiologist at CK Birla Hospital, the classic signs of a heart attack in men include: Chest pain or pressure (often described as tightness or squeezing) Pain radiating to the arms, jaw, back, or neck Shortness of breath Sweating Nausea or lightheadedness But here's the kicker—many men experience 'silent' symptoms: fatigue, mild chest discomfort, dizziness, or even what feels like bad indigestion. These subtle signals, especially if they occur during exertion or stress, could be your heart waving a red flag. Is it a heart attack or just indigestion or anxiety? Here's how to tell the difference: Indigestion: Usually stays in the upper abdomen and feels like bloating or burning. Anxiety: May cause chest tightness or rapid heartbeat but doesn't involve radiating pain. Heart attack: Often sudden, worsens with exertion, and doesn't ease with rest or antacids. Dr Gupta's advice? 'When in doubt, assume it's cardiac. Don't wait it out.' Do age, fitness, or erectile issues affect heart attack risk? Yes. Even younger or fit men aren't immune. They may experience: Unexplained fatigue Breathlessness Dizziness Which daily habits are silently increasing your heart risk? The usual suspects are: Smoking Junk food Lack of exercise Stress Poor sleep Excess alcohol Chronic stress and sleep deprivation impact blood pressure and heart rhythm. Add in high cholesterol, diabetes, or hypertension, and the risk compounds. Does family history increase your chances of heart disease? Yes. If your father or brother had a heart attack before age 55, your risk rises sharply. Dr Gupta advises starting heart screenings in your 30s: Blood pressure Blood sugar Cholesterol ECG or stress tests What should you do immediately if you think you're having a heart attack? Dr Nishith Chandra, Director of Interventional Cardiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, recommends: Recognise the symptoms: Chest pain, nausea, cold sweat, breathlessness. Stop everything: Sit or lie down. Don't move or drive. Call emergency services immediately. Chew an aspirin (300–325 mg) to help restore blood flow. Stay calm: Breathe slowly to reduce panic. How can you prepare your home for a heart emergency? Dr Chandra advises: Keep aspirin handy—bedside, wallet, car, kitchen. Learn hands-only CPR (100–120 chest compressions per minute). Make an emergency card with medical info. Consider an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if there's family history. Teach your family how to act fast. What is life like after a heart attack, and what to avoid? Dr Chandra outlines: Do's Rest for 2–4 weeks Join cardiac rehab early Follow medication schedule Get medical clearance before resuming work, sex, or exercise Address emotional wellbeing Don'ts Don't rush into heavy work or workouts Don't skip follow-ups Don't stop meds just because you 'feel fine' Don't ignore anxiety or emotional distress When is it safe to return to work, workouts, or sex after a heart attack? Work: Light jobs after 2–3 weeks; heavy labour after 6–8 weeks (with clearance) Exercise: Start walking in week one, rehab in week two; no HIIT without clearance Sex: Usually safe after 2–4 weeks. Rule of thumb: if you can climb two flights of stairs, you're likely fit. Warning: Don't mix ED meds with heart meds without doctor's approval. What heart tests should men do in their 30s, 40s, and 50s? Dr Shimi Pahuja, Consultant Pathologist at Metropolis Healthcare, recommends: In your 30s: Blood pressure Lipid profile Fasting blood sugar Body Mass Index (BMI) In your 40s & 50s: HbA1c High-sensitivity CRP ECG & Exercise Stress Test Troponin & BNP Coronary calcium scan (if family history) Chest X-ray Can a smartwatch help detect heart issues early? Maybe. Many smartwatches track: Irregular heart rate Atrial fibrillation Low physical activity Some also offer ECG apps. They're not diagnostic tools but can prompt timely medical checks. Final word: Don't wait for pain to turn into panic Heart attacks can start quietly—mild chest pressure, fatigue, or just feeling 'off.' Listen to your body. You only get one heart. Don't ignore it.
