TOI Cardio Medithon: Cardiologists discuss why prevention, awareness and early care matter most

Heart disease remains one of the biggest health threats in India. Yet many people still believe it appears suddenly, without warning. The TOI Cardio Medithon 3 tried to challenge that idea.

The event brought cardiologists from across the country into one conversation about prevention, awareness, and recovery.Instead of focusing only on complex medical procedures, the discussions explored something closer to daily life. The panels spoke about habits, overlooked symptoms, emotional stress, and the silent changes that happen in the body long before a heart attack occurs.Across four sessions, doctors examined heart health from different angles.

Women’s heart risks, early prevention, life after a heart attack, and the growing risk among younger generations formed the core themes. Each discussion carried one consistent message: protecting the heart is not a single decision but a series of everyday choices.

Why women’s heart symptoms are often missed

The opening session, “Beyond the Obvious: What Every Woman Should Know,” brought attention to a major gap in cardiovascular care.The panel included Dr Shibba Takkar Chhabra, Professor in the Department of Cardiology at Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, and Director of the WINCARS Association, along with Dr Zakia Khan, Head of the Department of Cardiology at Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, Mumbai.

Doctors explained that heart disease in women often appears differently from the classic symptoms seen in men.The panel also discussed how hormonal transitions influence heart health. Changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can alter cardiovascular risk. Conditions such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy-related hypertension may increase long-term heart risk.Another factor discussed was lifestyle pressure. Many women balance work responsibilities, caregiving, and household duties. In the process, personal health check-ups often get delayed.

Prevention is still the strongest treatment

The second seminar focused on a simple but powerful principle: preventing heart disease is easier than treating it later.The panel included Dr Dhiman Kahali, Director of Interventional Cardiology at B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata; Dr Bagirath Raghuraman, Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Director of Heart Transplant at Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bengaluru; and Dr Rajiv D Karnik, Interventional Cardiologist at Fortis Hospital and Teaching Faculty at Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai.The discussion focused on how everyday habits shape long-term heart health. According to the experts, prevention should not begin in middle age. It should begin much earlier.Doctors explained that several risk factors can silently damage the heart for years. High blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol slowly affect blood vessels if left unchecked. However, these risks can often be managed through lifestyle changes and medication.Experts recommended around 150 minutes of physical activity every week, along with balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish. They also suggested limiting processed foods and fried snacks.Sleep and stress management were also highlighted as key parts of prevention. Many people focus on diet and exercise but overlook sleep quality and emotional strain.

Life after a heart attack: recovery needs patience

The third seminar explored a stage that many patients struggle with: life after a heart attack.The panel featured Dr (Prof.) C.M. Nagesh, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Founder & Director of Cardea Superspeciality Hospital in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, along with Dr Tahsin Neduvanchery, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Aster MIMS Hospital, Kottakkal, Kerala.Doctors explained that surviving a heart attack is only the first step. The weeks that follow are critical for healing and rebuilding confidence.Immediate medical care plays a major role in recovery. Procedures such as angioplasty performed during the early stages of a heart attack can limit heart muscle damage and improve long-term outcomes.The panel also discussed the importance of medication. Drugs such as antiplatelets help prevent clot formation, statins reduce cholesterol, beta blockers reduce strain on the heart, and ACE inhibitors improve heart function.

Many patients need to continue these medicines for a long period under medical supervision.Recovery must also progress gradually. Light activity and short walks often begin within the first week, while returning to work may take two to six weeks depending on the severity of the attack.

Why heart disease is appearing earlier in young people

One of the most striking discussions at the Medithon focused on the rising heart risks among younger populations.The session “Young Hearts at Risk: Gen Z and Generation Alpha” featured Dr P.

B. Jayagopal, Director, Head of Department and Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Lakshmi Hospital in Palakkad, Kerala; Dr Sarat Chandra, Chairman of Jayanthi Superspeciality Hospital, Hyderabad, former Editor of the Indian Heart Journal and former President of the Cardiological Society of India; and Dr Anil Mishra, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Medical Director at B.M.

Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata.Experts explained that Indians tend to develop heart disease nearly 10 years earlier than many Western populations. In recent years, doctors have even seen heart attacks in individuals under 40.The panel linked this shift to several lifestyle changes. Long hours of screen time, reduced physical activity, processed foods, and chronic stress have become common among younger people.Doctors also raised concerns about smoking, vaping, and substance use among adolescents and young adults.

These habits increase the risk of early cardiovascular damage.Sleep patterns were another concern. Irregular sleep or staying awake late at night can affect blood pressure, metabolism, and hormonal balance.Experts advised young people to stay physically active for at least 60 minutes a day, eat balanced meals, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and monitor health markers such as cholesterol and blood pressure.Heart disease rarely develops overnight. It builds quietly through a mix of biological factors and daily habits. Lifestyle choices, emotional stress, diet patterns, and sleep quality all influence the heart over time.The Medithon discussions also highlighted an important shift in cardiology. Modern heart care is moving beyond hospital procedures. Doctors now focus equally on prevention, awareness, rehabilitation, and early screening.