5 Sep 2025: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in India, accounting for nearly 28% of all fatalities, according to the latest report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Despite advancements in healthcare, rising sedentary lifestyles, stress, and poor dietary habits have contributed to a steady increase in heart-related illnesses over the last decade.
Rising Burden of Heart Disease
ICMR’s annual health report highlights that one in four deaths in the country is attributed to heart disease. Urban areas are particularly affected due to long working hours, lack of exercise, and rising obesity rates. However, experts warn that rural India is catching up fast, with cases rising due to increasing tobacco consumption and limited access to timely healthcare.
Key Risk Factors
The report points to several major risk factors driving the surge in CVD cases:
- Unhealthy diets high in trans fats, salt, and refined sugar.
- Physical inactivity with over 70% of urban adults failing to meet WHO’s recommended activity levels.
- Stress and poor sleep due to modern work culture and screen overuse.
- Rising diabetes and hypertension, which act as silent contributors to heart attacks and strokes.
Alarming Trends Among Young Adults
One of the most concerning findings is the rising incidence of heart attacks among Indians under 40. Cardiologists attribute this to early onset of lifestyle disorders, increased consumption of processed food, and lack of awareness about preventive health checks.
Government and Medical Response
To combat this growing crisis, the Ministry of Health has announced plans to scale up National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) by increasing screenings at primary health centers and running mass awareness campaigns.
Leading cardiologists urge Indians to take charge of their health by:
- Eating balanced, home-cooked meals.
- Exercising at least 30 minutes a day.
- Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption.
- Undergoing annual health check-ups, especially for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Call for Public Awareness
Experts stress that awareness is key. “Most heart diseases are preventable if caught early. Small lifestyle changes can save lives,” said Dr. Ramesh Kapoor, a leading cardiologist at AIIMS.
With cardiovascular disease showing no signs of slowing down, public health authorities are urging citizens to treat heart health as a top priority.
Summary
Cardiovascular disease remains India’s top killer, driven by poor lifestyle choices, stress, and rising diabetes. Experts urge early screenings, balanced diet, and exercise to prevent heart attacks and protect heart health.