Start heart screening at 25, Apollo founder urges young Indians

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.