Heart disease, once thought of as an illness of the elderly, is now tightening its grip on India’s young workforce. Long hours, relentless deadlines, digital overload, and sedentary lifestyles are fueling what experts call a silent but dangerous epidemic. Stress, which was once dismissed as “part of the job,” is now emerging as a direct trigger for cardiac risk in professionals barely into their thirties.

A recent health survey by ekincare, analyzing over 30,000 employees across 20 companies revealed a staggering trend: professionals between the ages of 35 and 45 have experienced a 70% rise in heart risk factors in just three years. Cardiologists also note that stress-linked heart disease cases in metro cities have jumped by 40% during the same period.

The findings paint a sobering picture of how lifestyle and workplace culture are colliding to put India’s most productive demographic at risk of cardiovascular complications much earlier than expected.

Sedentary Lives, Rising Risks

The data shows that more than 65% of employees engage in less than 30 minutes of daily physical activity, while irregular meals, processed food consumption, prolonged screen exposure, and disrupted sleep patterns are increasingly common. The consequences are visible: higher rates of hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol among younger professionals.

“Many younger individuals are developing heart disease due to lifelong chronic stress,” Dr. R. Mehta, Senior Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals. “Preventive measures, including mindfulness, structured routines, and regular health screenings, are no longer optional—they are essential. Ignoring these risks can have long-term consequences not only for personal health but also for productivity and family well-being.”

What is worrying, experts say, is that this pattern is no longer confined to metro cities. Rising work pressures and lifestyle disruptions are now evident in tier-2 cities as well, making the problem widespread.

Mental Health at the Heart of Prevention

At the ‘Illness to Wellness’ Heart Care Conference held ahead of World Heart Day 2025 in Delhi, where experts stressed that mental well-being must be seen as central to preventing chronic and non-communicable diseases.

“Mental health is inseparable from heart health,” said Rajesh Bhushan, former Health Secretary and Chairperson of the Illness to Wellness Foundation.

Experts Warn of Early Heart Attacks

Cardiologists warn that India is seeing an alarming rise in sudden cardiac arrests among young adults. Nearly 60% of heart attack cases in the country now occur below the age of 55, a stark reminder of the changing face of cardiovascular disease.

“Prevention is the most cost-effective strategy,” said Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Director at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital. “It costs only a fraction—about one-sixth—of what treatment demands. To achieve real progress, we must strengthen hypertension control, integrate mental health into heart care, and raise awareness right from schools.”

Dr. K.K. Talwar, Chairman of PSRI Heart Institute, added that while genetics play a role, stress, work pressure, and job insecurity are equally damaging. “Early awareness, adoption of healthy habits, and stress management from families, schools, and workplaces are essential. Regular CPR training sessions can also empower communities to save lives during emergencies.”

A Shift in Work and Lifestyle Culture

Recognizing the threat, many organizations have started rolling out wellness programs, stress management workshops, and health screenings. Participation in yoga and mindfulness sessions has grown by 20–25% over the past year. But experts caution that corporate initiatives alone will not be enough.

“Organizations can provide the tools, but the real shift must happen at the individual level,” says Dr Mehta. “Simple, consistent habits like exercising daily, eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and disconnecting from screens, are fundamental. Without these changes, even the best corporate wellness programs will fall short.”

Doctors also emphasize the importance of quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and making time for regular health check-ups.

Every Beat Matters

For young professionals, the stakes are particularly high. Heart disease at an early age not only affects health but also threatens career growth, financial stability, and family life. The surge in stress-related cardiac cases is more than just a medical issue, it is a generational warning.

Unless lifestyle changes are adopted and stress levels managed effectively, India risks a preventable health crisis that will strike its most productive population much earlier than expected.

As World Heart Day reminds us, every heartbeat matters. Taking preventive steps today, be it through exercise, mindfulness, or regular screenings, could make the difference between a future weighed down by disease and one strengthened by resilience and well-being.

India’s healthcare leaders are set to gather at the eagerly awaited TIMES NETWORK INDIA HEALTH SUMMIT 2025. With the country positioning itself as a global healthcare hub, the Modi government is pushing reforms aimed at creating a strong healthcare system. The sector has seen remarkable changes, driven by advancements in technology, improved infrastructure, and wider accessibility. Recognizing healthcare as a strategic pillar, the government views it as essential for national growth, public welfare, and economic stability.

In 2025, healthcare will remain an essential part of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP growth, job opportunities, and technological progress. The industry, valued at over $500 billion, sustains millions of jobs across hospitals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and health-tech. Rising demand for quality care, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, is pushing more investments and large-scale infrastructure development.

Efforts to strengthen public health are closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing sustainable healthcare through optimal technology use. This year, the summit will focus on key themes such as “Making Healthcare Sustainable with Optimal Use of Technology” and “Adoption of Technology for Improved Accessibility and Affordability.”

The summit will host over 30 expert speakers, 300 delegates, and eight focused knowledge sessions. Attendees will discuss shaping global healthcare standards, achieving health equity, enhancing accessibility, advancing medical education, research, and driving innovation through technology.

Notable panels include “From Policy to Practice: Making Health Equity a Reality in India”, featuring Dr Sumit Kumar Dubey, Chief Medical Officer, NDMC; Dr Randeep Guleria, Director of Medanta Medical School; and Dr Narinder Mehra, Hon. Emeritus Scientist, ICMR. Another key session, “Battling Dengue in India: Crisis, Control and the Promise of Vaccination,” will include insights from Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Chairman, Nephron Clinic, and Dr Tanu Jain, Director, NCVBDC. TV actress Chhavi Mittal, a breast cancer survivor, will also share her personal journey.

Other highlights feature Dr Ananya Awasthi, Founder & Director of Anuvaad Solutions, and Dr Meenakshi Singh, Chief Scientist, CSIR, discussing nutraceuticals; Dr Shyam Aggarwal, Chairperson Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, on cancer care; and Arvind Pachhapur of Strands Life Sciences, exploring AI-driven healthcare solutions. Additional sessions on youth mental health and healthcare infrastructure promise to offer actionable insights for stakeholders.

For more details, visit TIMES NETWORK INDIA HEALTH SUMMIT 2025.

NHS omeprazole warning: People who take the common heartburn and indigestion drug omeprazole have been cautioned by the NHS about its potential long-term risks. For those unversed, omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach and are often prescribed for acid reflux, heartburn, and related issues.

They target the stomach’s proton pumps, the enzymes responsible for producing acid. While omeprazole can be very effective, it isn’t the only solution. If you are avoiding the medicine duen to the NHS warning, or just simply struggling with side effects or prefer a more natural route, there are other options worth considering.

NHS Warning on Omeprazole’s Long-Term Use

According to new figures, nearly 73 million NHS prescriptions for PPIs like omeprazole were issued in England in 2022 to 23. Reports also show that around 15% of the UK population relies on PPIs, making them among the most commonly used medications in the country. Alongside heartburn, PPIs are used to manage conditions like indigestion, stomach ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and even to treat Helicobacter pylori infection when paired with antibiotics. With NHS experts now raising concerns, we spoke to a health professional who explained which safe alternatives people can turn to instead.

Alternatives to Omeprazole

Omeprazole is one of several PPIs available. This class of medication is used for GERD, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and certain bacterial stomach infections. Each drug in the group works by blocking acid pumps in the stomach, but individuals may respond differently. We got in touch with Dr Vishal Khurana, Director Gastroenterology, Metro Hospital, Faridabad who told, us, “If omeprazole causes side effects or drug interactions, switching to another PPI such as pantoprazole (Protonix) or rabeprazole (Aciphex) may be a safer option.”

Other alternatives include H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid AC), which reduce acid in a different way, or traditional antacids like Tums and Rolaids that provide quick but temporary relief. There are also newer prescription treatments such as vonoprazan (Voquezna) that could be considered.

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Medication isn’t always the only answer. Many people find relief from acid reflux by making small but consistent dietary and lifestyle changes. Avoiding fatty or spicy foods, cutting back on alcohol, and eating smaller portions can all help reduce symptoms. Simple remedies like ginger tea, milk, or a small amount of apple cider vinegar may also soothe heartburn for some people.

In terms of supplements, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been linked to easing acid reflux, though quality can vary between brands, so it’s best to check with a pharmacist before trying.

Lifestyle habits matter too. Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight have been shown to lower the risk of reflux significantly. While these changes are not always easy, their benefits go far beyond heartburn relief.

The NHS advice doesn’t mean everyone should stop using omeprazole right away, but it’s a reminder that safe alternatives exist, and making simple adjustments could help you avoid long-term risks while still keeping heartburn under control.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Yet, many women experience symptoms that are not as straightforward as those seen in men, which often leads them to mistake the signs for something less serious. On this World Heart Day, it is worth pausing to look closely at the subtle symptoms women should never ignore, since they could be pointing to an underlying heart condition.

Heart Attack In Women

ALSO READ: World Heart Day 2025: How Accurate Is an ECG in Detecting Heart-Related Chest Pain?

Because these symptoms can easily be dismissed, recognizing them early becomes critical. Here are some warning signs unique to women that deserve attention:

Unique Symptoms Of Heart Attack Women Often OverlookHere are some unique symptoms that women should take note of, as per World Health Organization:

• Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulders, upper back, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort in one or both arms
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold sweats
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Unusual tiredness
• Heartburn or indigestion

According to the Mayo Clinic, women may notice these signs when resting or even while asleep. Emotional stress also plays a bigger role in triggering heart problems in women than in men.

Interestingly, women are more likely to suffer what is known as nonobstructive coronary artery disease, where a heart attack occurs without a major blockage in the arteries. They can also develop small vessel disease, a condition in which the smaller arteries supplying blood to the heart become blocked.

Heart Risk Factors That Hit Women Harder

Traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol affect both sexes. But women face additional triggers:

• Smoking poses a greater danger for women than men.
• Lack of physical activity raises the risk substantially.
• Emotional stress and depression impact women’s hearts more strongly.
• Diabetes is especially dangerous, often leading to silent heart attacks in women.
• Hormonal changes after menopause increase the risk of vessel disease.
• Pregnancy-related complications, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, add to long-term risks.
• Autoimmune conditions like lupus and scleroderma heighten vulnerability.
• A family history of early heart disease is particularly significant for women under 65.

Building a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle For WomenThe good news is that many of these risks can be managed. Even small steps matter. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking or moderate activity most days. If 30 minutes feels too much at once, break it down into short sessions spread throughout the day. Over time, working toward 60 minutes of activity five days a week, along with strength training, can provide even greater protection.

As we observe World Heart Day 2025, the message is clear: women must listen to their bodies and take unusual symptoms seriously. Protecting your heart begins with awareness, lifestyle choices, and regular check-ups. A little effort today could prevent something dangerous tomorrow.