• In India, around 20% to 25% of heart attacks occur in people under 40.
• Among Indian men, up to 50% of heart attacks may occur before the age of 50.
• Indians tend to develop coronary heart disease 5 to 10 years earlier than people in Western countries.

As a cardiologist, these are numbers that concern me.

I often meet people who come to me only after something feels wrong.
I hear, “Doctor, I was completely fine until this happened.”
The reality is that heart disease does not always announce itself with obvious symptoms.

Sometimes, the first major warning can be a heart attack or another serious cardiac event.

• High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can exist for years without obvious symptoms.
• Meanwhile, they can gradually increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• A checkup can help identify these risk factors before they become bigger problems.

• High blood pressure is often called a silent condition because you may not feel any different.
• Regular monitoring helps identify consistently elevated readings.
• If needed, lifestyle changes and medical treatment can help bring your blood pressure under control.

• High levels of certain types of cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
• You cannot reliably tell whether your cholesterol is high based on how you feel.
• A simple blood test can help assess your cholesterol profile and overall cardiovascular risk.

• Smoking, physical inactivity, excess weight, an unhealthy diet, poor sleep and chronic stress can all influence cardiovascular health.
• During a preventive consultation, I can look at these factors together rather than focusing on just one number.
• Even small, sustainable changes can make a meaningful difference over time.

• If close family members have had heart disease, particularly at a younger age, your risk may be higher.
• This is something I want to know during your consultation.
• Your family history can help determine how closely certain risk factors should be monitored.

• Preventive care gives us an opportunity to identify risk factors early.
• Depending on your age, symptoms and risk profile, your doctor may recommend tests such as blood pressure measurement, blood tests, an ECG or other cardiac evaluations.
• Not everyone needs every test. The right evaluation depends on the individual.

• Adults with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.
• People who smoke or have a sedentary lifestyle.
• Those with a family history of heart disease.
• People who are overweight or have multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
• Anyone experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, unusual breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness or reduced exercise tolerance.
• Even if you feel perfectly healthy, your doctor can help determine when screening is appropriate for you.

• • Do not wait for chest pain to start thinking about your heart.
  • Know your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
  • Stay physically active and maintain a heart-friendly diet.
  • Avoid smoking and limit other lifestyle factors that increase cardiovascular risk.
  • Most importantly, discuss your individual risk with a cardiologist rather than relying on symptoms alone.

  Your heart does not need to hurt for you to start taking care of it.

  If you have risk factors, a family history of heart disease, or simply want to understand your cardiovascular health better, consult the Cardiology Department at Apex Group of Hospitals for a personalised heart health assessment.

  Preventive care today can help protect the heart you depend on tomorrow.

Taking care of your heart should begin before symptoms appear. A preventive heart checkup helps identify hidden risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalance, diabetes, and other cardiovascular concerns at an early stage. Early evaluation allows timely lifestyle changes, medical guidance, and personalised care to reduce the risk of serious heart problems.

If you want to understand your heart health better or have risk factors such as family history, lifestyle concerns, or existing health conditions, consult Dr. Debdatta Kar, Cardiologist at Apex Group of Hospitals, for a detailed cardiovascular assessment. You can also contact Apex Group of Hospitals to schedule your preventive heart checkup and take the first step towards protecting your heart health.