World Heart Day 2025: Heart attacks no longer just an old age problem

Once seen as a disease of the elderly, heart attacks are now striking 20- and 30-year-olds, making World Heart Day 2025 a wake-up call for urgent action

Heart disease is no longer a concern of old age, it is claiming the lives of young, seemingly healthy individuals across the world. With long work hours, rising stress, and lifestyle imbalances, the younger generation is now facing risks that were once associated with later years of life. World Heart Day 2025 serves as a reminder that protecting our hearts is not optional. It is urgent, and it begins today.

What is World Heart Day and why is it celebrated?

World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29. It was first created by the World Heart Federation (WHF) in 2000 to spread awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world’s leading cause of death. The goal is simple: to encourage individuals, communities, and governments to take steps to protect heart health.

 

 

World Heart Day 2025 Theme: This year’s theme is “Don’t Miss the Beat!”, a reminder to act now and improve access to life-saving heart care for all, with a target of reaching more people by 2030.

Why should you care about heart health?

Research shows that heart attacks are rising sharply among young adults in India, including those in their late 20s and 30s. Stress-filled jobs, late-night work shifts, processed diets, and lack of movement all silently add up.

 

As Dr Bilal Thangal T M, Medical Lead at NURA – AI Health Screening Centre, puts it, “The rising cases in heart problems over the recent years, is a powerful reminder of how heart diseases can develop without any prior warning or noticeable signs. Most individuals notice the condition much later down the line, when the damage is significant and harder to reverse. The way forward is clear; we need to move from awareness to immediate action.” 

What is the global picture of heart disease?

According to the World Heart Federation, heart disease is the number one killer globally, responsible for 20.5 million deaths each year — more than cancer, accidents, or infections. The Federation says that over 80 per cent of premature deaths from heart disease are preventable with lifestyle changes and timely treatment.

 

The biggest culprits include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, stress, and inactivity.

How serious is the heart disease crisis in India?

India carries a heavy burden. Cardiovascular diseases account for one in every four deaths in the country. Even more concerning, younger Indians are more prone to early heart attacks compared to their Western counterparts.

 

Dr Bilal highlights, “In India, the sharp rise of heart attacks in younger adults is alarming. Regular checkups and health screenings are key. They can reveal hidden dangers, like calcium build-up in the arteries and minor blood vessel changes, which can help identify risks of a possible heart attack and other severe consequences.” 

Is heart health only about lifestyle?

Not entirely. While food, stress, and exercise matter, your genes also play a major role. Dr Sandip Shah, Joint Managing Director of Neuberg Diagnostics, explains, “The impact of heart health on a person’s body is not merely a matter of lifestyle choices. Much of it also hinges on our DNA. Now, advances in genetic testing allow us to diagnose otherwise silent conditions such as inherited disorders of cholesterol metabolism, rhythm abnormalities, and even some heart muscle diseases, much before clinical symptoms appear.”

 

This is crucial in India, where sudden cardiac arrests are being reported among otherwise healthy young people. Genetic and advanced screenings can help personalise treatment and save lives.

What are simple steps you can take today to protect your heart?

Here’s the good news: protecting your heart doesn’t always mean big sacrifices. Small, daily changes add up. 

• Get screened regularly – blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and if possible, genetic markers 
• Move every hour – even a five-minute stretch or walk helps 
• Eat a balanced, plant-rich diet and limit processed foods 
• Sleep seven to eight hours consistently 
• Learn stress management techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises

 

World Heart Day 2025 is not just about awareness. It’s a call to act, because tomorrow’s health depends on choices made today.

Since you're already here

…and clearly interested in your health, take a moment to explore our varied range of stories on wellness, medical research, and public health insights.

• Men's grooming essentials  Adult acne, dull skin, hair loss: Skincare tips every man should know
• What a heart doctor won’t eat  10 foods a cardiologist avoids after 20 years treating heart disease
• Early cataracts and screen stress  Cataracts in 30s and 40s? How screen time and stress may be clouding vision
• Eat to prevent cardiac arrest  Heart-smart eating: Diet tips to lower risk of sudden cardiac arrest
• Everyday foods linked to cancer  Doctor warns against these 6 everyday foods that may raise cancer risk
• Fitness trends under the microscope  Are these popular Instagram fitness trends actually helpful or just hype?
• Back pain? Walk it off  Want to avoid chronic back pain? Walk over 100 minutes a day, says study
• Hidden heart hazards at work  Why your office coffee cup and lunch box may raise heart disease risks
• How to be heard at work  Speak up at work: What to do when you're feeling ignored and invisible
• Beyond sobriety: Addiction recovery  Why recovery from addiction needs more than just quitting substances

For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS 

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.