Our everyday choices, like eating unhealthy food and spending too much time on screens, are hurting our hearts. Although India makes up 18% of the world's population, it has 60% of global heart disease cases. This is very surprising because heart disease is not just a problem for older people, it is now affecting younger generations too.

What puts you at risk? High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and an unhealthy lifestyle. These issues can slowly damage your heart without you knowing. News18 talked to several doctors to learn more about this serious problem.

The hidden danger inside you

Dr Lalit Kapoor, a heart surgeon at Narayana Health in Kolkata, says high blood pressure is a “silent killer” because it often shows no signs. He warns that many people in India don’t know they have high blood pressure until it leads to serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure. Even small signs like swollen feet, frequent headaches, mild chest pain, constant tiredness, or bloating should not be ignored, as they might be early warnings of heart trouble.

Know what you eat

Most of us love deep-fried snacks, sugary desserts, and processed carbs. But these foods can lead to obesity and diabetes, which increase the risk of heart disease. Dr. Surendra Kumar Agarwal from Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences says that eating a healthy diet, doing regular exercise (but not too much), and managing stress can lower the risk of heart disease by at least 25%.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that an occasional drink or cigarette is harmless. Dr. Atanu Saha, a heart surgeon at NH R.N. Tagore Hospital in Kolkata, says that using tobacco, whether smoked or chewed damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and leads to blockages. Even if you only drink occasionally, these small habits can add up and harm your heart over time. Reducing smoking and drinking can greatly lower your risk of heart disease.

Why Indians suffer from heart disease

Indians tend to develop heart disease much earlier than people in the West. Dr. R.K. Jaswal from Fortis Hospital Mohali explains that, genetically, Indians have a 2-3 times higher risk of heart disease compared to Caucasians. This is why India is often called the "diabetes and heart disease capital of the world."

The good news is that heart disease can be prevented. Dr Rajneesh Malhotra from MAX Healthcare in Delhi says that regular health checks like blood sugar and cholesterol tests, along with a healthy lifestyle starting from childhood, can help prevent heart problems. He also warns that drinking too much alcohol can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.

Time to wake-up

India is facing a serious heart disease problem. While our genes have a part to play, poor lifestyle choices are the main cause. Eating unhealthy food, not exercising enough, high stress, and more cases of diabetes and high blood pressure are putting young Indians at risk.

The good news is that small changes can save many lives. Start today by eating healthier, exercising more, and managing your stress. Keep track of your health. Your heart works hard for you every day it’s time to take care of it. A few small changes now can lead to a much healthier future.

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