# Start heart screening at 25, Apollo founder urges young Indians 2026-09-26T06:21:31+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Apollo Hospitals founder Prathap C. Reddy has urged people aged 25 and above to undergo preventive health screening, lowering the earlier recommended starting age of 30. Ahead of World Heart Day on September 29, he said non-communicable diseases like heart attacks, strokes, cancers, and diabetes are among India's most serious problems, with heart attacks now occurring at younger ages. He stressed that women's health must be prioritised, noting only 25% of women come for preventive checks. Separately, a National Statistical Office survey cited by The Times of India reports a threefold spike in cardiovascular ailments from 1,333 per lakh population in 2017-18 to 3,891 in 2025. Cardiovascular conditions accounted for 2.1% of ailments among 15 to 29-year-olds and 15.3% among those aged 30 to 44. The Times of India detailed four cases of young, seemingly fit Indians who suffered severe heart disease, including a 38-year-old badminton player who required a triple bypass. Both sources agree on the rising threat of heart disease in younger Indians, with Dr Reddy emphasising early detection and The Times of India highlighting that even those without conventional risk factors are vulnerable. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The Hindu's coverage leads with Dr Reddy's screening advice, framing the issue as solvable through individual preventive action and improved medical care. The Times of India leads with alarming NSO data and dramatic patient case studies, framing heart disease as a surging, unpredictable crisis striking the young and fit. The Hindu omits the statistical spike, The Times of India omits the government programmes Dr Reddy credits. The combined reading shows that while experts advocate screening, the scale of the increase and its silent nature demand broader public health attention. The NSO's next survey will reveal whether the 2025 spike continues. The Hindu's coverage leads with Dr Reddy's screening advice, framing the issue as solvable through individual preventive action and improved medical care. ## Coverage - thehindu.com (neutral report) Leads with expert advice, no criticism of government or opposition - timesofindia.indiatimes.com (sensationalist) Leads with NSO spike figure and four dramatic patient case studies Tags: Apollo Hospitals, non-communicable diseases, Prathap C. Reddy, World Heart Day Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/apollo-hospitals-founder-urges-health-screening-from-age-25/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/apollo-hospitals-founder-urges-health-screening-from-age-25/#story-in-brief