Monday, 28 September 2026

Don’t Miss a Beat: Prioritising Heart Health from a Young Age

HealthK Puspa28 Sept 2026
Sep 28: On World Heart Day , growing instances of cardiovascular risk factors among younger adults are bringing renewed attention to the need for early awareness and prevention. While heart disease has traditionally been associated with older age, cases of hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and other risk factors are increasingly being observed among people in their 30s and 40s. Health professionals say that recognising warning signs, undergoing timely health assessments and addressing lifestyle-related risks can play an important role in protecting heart health. The theme ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’ highlights the importance of recognising potential risks and seeking timely medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe.
 
Dr. Krishan Yadav, Senior Consultant and HOD – Cardiology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension, said,
“Heart disease is increasingly becoming a concern among younger adults, and we should not wait for symptoms to become severe before paying attention to our cardiovascular health. In my OPD, patients in the 30–40-year age group are commonly presenting with heart-related concerns and associated risk factors. Among patients with cardiac problems, the approximate female-to-male ratio is 30:70. Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet and prolonged stress are frequently seen, often in combination. Since several cardiovascular risk factors may remain silent, regular health assessments are important, particularly for those with a family history or existing medical conditions. Persistent chest heaviness, breathlessness, sweating, unusual weakness or pain radiating to the arm, back, neck or jaw should receive immediate medical attention. This World Heart Day, ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’ reminds us to know our risks, recognise warning signs and act without delay.”
Dr. Deepankar Vats, Senior Consultant, Cardiology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Greater Noida, Omega 1, said,
“Heart health is no longer a concern limited to older adults. In our OPD, we see around 75–80 patients every month, including both adults and children, with conditions ranging from coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart failure to congenital heart problems in children. While heart disease is more commonly seen after 45–50 years of age, cardiovascular risk factors are increasingly being observed among younger adults, often linked to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, stress, poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits and smoking. People should not ignore warning signs such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, sweating, dizziness or unusual weakness. Regular screening is particularly important for those with diabetes, hypertension or a family history of heart disease. On World Heart Day, ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’ is a reminder to recognise symptoms early, seek timely medical evaluation and make heart-healthy choices at every age.”
At Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town, New Delhi, cardiologists are also observing a substantial volume of cardiac patients and a significant presence of younger adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
 
Dr. Chandrashekhar, Vice Chairman & HOD – Cardiology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town, New Delhi, said,
 “Our Cardiology OPD sees approximately 500 cardiac patients every month. We commonly see hypertension, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, chest pain, heart rhythm abnormalities and heart failure. Key risk factors include diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and chronic stress. While cardiovascular disease is more prevalent with increasing age, we are increasingly seeing heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors among younger adults, particularly those in their 30s and 40s. Our OPD sees approximately 60% male and 40% female cardiac patients, with women’s cardiovascular risk increasing particularly after menopause. Heart health should not be considered a concern only after the age of 50. With around 500 patients visiting every month, regular cardiovascular assessment, prevention and timely consultation are essential, especially for people with diabetes, hypertension or a family history of heart disease.”
Dr. Pankaj Ranjan, Senior Consultant & HOD – Cardiology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida 110, further highlighted that age alone should not create a false sense of security when it comes to cardiovascular health.
 
He said,
 “On World Heart Day, the theme ‘ Don’t Miss a Beat’ reminds us that heart health deserves attention at every age. In our OPD, we see around 700 heart-related patients every month, with approximately 65% male and 35% female patients. While heart problems are more commonly seen in older adults, we are increasingly encountering younger patients, including men over 30 and women over 40, with cardiac concerns and risk factors. A notable case involved a 23-year-old young adult who developed a heart condition despite having no apparent conventional risk factors. This highlights that age alone cannot be considered protection against heart disease. People should not ignore chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations or unusual fatigue. Regular health checks, physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and managing stress can help protect heart health. Listen to your heart and don’t miss a beat.”
As cardiovascular concerns increasingly affect people across different age groups, World Heart Day serves as an important reminder that heart health is a lifelong responsibility. By adopting healthier daily habits, keeping track of key health parameters and seeking prompt medical attention for warning signs, individuals can take meaningful steps towards protecting their cardiovascular health. This World Heart Day, the message is simple: know your risks, listen to your body, act early — and ‘Don’t Miss a Beat.’