Mental well-being is crucial for preventing chronic and non-communicable diseases, particularly heart disease. In addition to regular exercise and stress management, fostering mental health from an early age in families and reinforcing it in schools is vital. Life should be approached as a marathon rather than a sprint, and young individuals require guidance to develop patience, resilience, and balance to prevent early burnout. Schools have a transformative potential by replacing harmful practices with healthier options, promoting mental wellness, and supporting physical activity.
To tackle India’s heart health crisis, a shift from a curative approach to fostering genuine health-seeking behavior across families, schools, and communities is necessary, as stated by Rajesh Bhushan, Former Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Illness to Wellness Foundation, during his keynote speech at the ‘Illness to Wellness’ Awareness Conference in New Delhi on World Heart Day 2025.
The Illness to Wellness Foundation organized the conference under the theme “Heart Care – Don’t Miss a Beat,” gathering prominent cardiologists, policymakers, and public health advocates to discuss India’s escalating heart health crisis and the urgent need for preventive care, lifestyle changes, mental health integration, digital health solutions, and community awareness. Anil Rajput, Chairperson of the Advisory Council at the Illness to Wellness Foundation, emphasized in his welcome address that World Heart Day serves as a reminder of the heart’s vital role in life.
He noted the Indian government’s implementation of various initiatives aimed at addressing heart health, including the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and PM-JAY, which focus on preventive care, early detection, and financial protection for treatment. These initiatives, combined with wellness movements like Fit India, Khelo India, and Har Ghar Yoga, are promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and healthy lifestyles. Advancements in technology, such as telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostics, are closing the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring timely and effective heart care for all citizens. Collaborative support for these efforts can significantly enhance India’s heart health.
Experts pointed out the increasing occurrence of sudden cardiac arrests among young adults, the effects of mental stress, pollution, and unhealthy lifestyle choices, as well as the critical need for timely preventive screenings. They also noted how digital health, wearable technology, and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing cardiac care delivery in India, reducing the urban-rural divide. Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Director of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, shared that cardiovascular disease is no longer just an elderly issue, with nearly 60% of heart attacks now occurring in individuals under 55. He stressed that prevention is the most cost-effective approach, costing only about one-sixth of what treatment requires.
Real progress demands enhanced hypertension control, integrating mental health into heart care, and raising awareness from schools onward. Combating heart disease necessitates a collective effort involving robust government policies, private sector engagement, and societal acceptance of healthier choices. Dr. K. K. Talwar, Chairman of PSRI Heart Institute in New Delhi, added that while genetics contribute to heart disease, lifestyle factors such as stress, workplace pressure, and job insecurity are equally significant. Early awareness, the adoption of healthy habits, and stress management from families, schools, and workplaces are essential for preventing cardiovascular events. Regular initiatives, such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training sessions, further equip communities to respond effectively to emergencies, saving lives and promoting overall heart health.
The conference featured two sessions addressing different yet interconnected aspects of heart health. The first session, titled “Emerging Trends of Heart Attacks in the Current Scenario – Myths vs Facts,” included leading cardiologists discussing the rising rates of heart attacks among young adults, complications post-COVID, the misuse of supplements and steroids, and the effects of pollution and intense physical activity. The second session, focused on the “Role of Preventive Health Checkups, Stress Management, and Lifestyle in Heart Care,” highlighted the significance of routine screenings, emotional well-being, balanced living, and holistic lifestyle changes. In conclusion, experts called for a national movement focused on heart health that emphasizes awareness, preventive screenings, mental well-being, emergency preparedness (including CPR education), and community involvement.
The conference concluded with a unified appeal to take every heartbeat seriously, promoting a healthier, heart-strong, and mentally resilient India.