TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, a prominent general insurance provider in India, has published findings from a nationwide survey involving nearly 300 cardiologists. This study reveals a concerning trend of younger Indians experiencing serious heart conditions, along with a significant lack of awareness regarding early warning signs and insufficient financial readiness. The survey indicates a substantial shift in the landscape of cardiac care over the last decade. It shows that heart disease is increasingly affecting younger individuals, with 74% of doctors stating that most of their patients are now under 50 years old. Currently, 36% of doctors report that cardiac patients fall within the 31-40 age range, while 38% treat patients aged 41-50.
This contrasts sharply with a decade ago, when 87% of cases involved individuals aged 41 and older. Mr. Rajagopal Rudraraju, Senior Executive Vice President & National Head – Consumer Claims, commented on the survey results, stating, “On World Heart Day, it is crucial to acknowledge that India’s cardiac challenge is both medical and financial. The increasing incidence among younger individuals means families are often unprepared, both emotionally and financially. At TATA AIG, we observe this reality in our claims data, which shows a 65% increase in cardiology costs over the last five years.
The rising expenses emphasize the need for planning for unforeseen health events, not only through preventive care but also with comprehensive insurance coverage to ensure timely treatment without financial constraints.” Alarmingly, 78% of doctors noted that patients often ignore chest pain or discomfort, which are critical early indicators of cardiac problems. Many also overlook breathlessness and dismiss unexplained fatigue, resulting in delayed diagnoses. The survey identifies high stress levels and unhealthy diets as the main contributors to the increasing incidence of heart disease in India. Additionally, a significant number of patients seek medical help only after considerable heart damage has occurred.
Doctors indicated that early warning signs are frequently overlooked or disregarded, with nearly eight in ten stating that patients ignore chest pain, while many also minimize fatigue and breathlessness, attributing them to stress or routine tiredness. Over 60% of doctors observed that patients usually arrive at hospitals only after significant heart damage has already taken place, complicating treatment and leading to less favorable outcomes. The findings highlight substantial challenges in healthcare access and financial preparedness. While 39% of doctors noted that advanced medical treatments are often limited outside major metropolitan areas, 59% reported that fewer than 40% of their patients are financially prepared for advanced cardiac care.
This disparity between the need for treatment and financial capability emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive health insurance coverage. The survey also uncovers critical gender-related insights; 34% of doctors recognize that women face similar cardiac risks as men, while 16% acknowledge that women’s cardiac symptoms are often overlooked, leading to potential underdiagnosis. Industry reports indicate that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in India, with most fatalities occurring among individuals aged 40-69. The growing prevalence of CVDs is closely associated with lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and stress. Notably, sales of cardiac medications have increased by over 50% in the past five years, reflecting heightened awareness and a growing disease burden.
Furthermore, the incidence of heart attacks among those under 40 is on the rise, linked to factors like sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and lack of sleep. These trends highlight the urgent need for improved public health initiatives aimed at prevention, early detection, and management of heart disease to lessen its impact on India’s population.
