Apollo Hospitals has released its Health of the Nation Report 2025, revealing alarming trends in cardiovascular health across India. The findings show that heart disease is striking younger people, often silently, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and fatty liver significantly raising cardiac risks.
Silent threats: Asymptomatic but at risk
Of 3,106 individuals screened with no prior history of heart disease, 58% were asymptomatic. Yet, nearly half (46%) had calcium deposits in their arteries, indicating early atherosclerosis. Even more concerning, 25% of them were already living with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) requiring urgent treatment. Strikingly, 2.5% of those with deposits were under 40, proving that young Indians are far from immune.
Women’s heart health: Postmenopausal surge in risk
The report highlights a sharp rise in cardiovascular risks among women post menopause. Estrogen’s protective effect diminishes after the age of 55, leading to a surge in heart attacks. After menopause, the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia climbs steeply, making comprehensive postmenopausal heart care a critical need.
Fatty liver: A hidden cardiac risk
Liver health emerged as a powerful predictor of heart disease. Apollo’s data shows 65% of those screened had fatty liver, but more than half displayed normal blood tests—suggesting imaging is essential for diagnosis. With obesity, diabetes, and cholesterol driving most fatty liver cases (MASLD), the report warns of a strong metabolic connection between liver disease and cardiovascular illness.
Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes fuel the fire
India’s rising rates of high blood pressure, excess weight, and diabetes are compounding cardiac risk:
- Hypertension affects up to 39% of women and 31% of men above 55.
- Obesity prevalence crosses 70% in older adults, weakening metabolic and heart health.
- Diabetes, long considered an urban epidemic, is now widespread across age groups, with nearly 1 in 3 adults aged 40–55 affected.
Physical fitness decline and heart risk
Poor muscle strength, flexibility, and balance were observed in 78% of people screened, including younger age groups. Reduced strength and mobility are increasingly linked not only to frailty but also to heart health outcomes, reinforcing the importance of exercise and strength training from early adulthood.
The call for preventive heart care
Emphasizing the urgency, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder-Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, said: “When we founded Apollo Hospitals, our purpose was simple: to save hearts and lives and restore hope. Four decades later, the science is clear – waiting for symptoms is waiting too long. ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’ is a call to every Indian household to know your blood pressure and your numbers, sleep well, be active, and seek timely medical advice. As a pioneer in cardiac care, Apollo brings trusted clinicians and advanced, data-led tools together so that risk is found early and treatment is precise. If India embraces prevention as a daily discipline, we will add millions of healthy years and spare millions of families’ needless loss – one heartbeat at a time.”
