World Heart Day 2025: With daily hustle-bustle and never ending work commitments, our health usually takes a back seat. This is perhaps the reason why heart diseases are on rise like never before. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 17.9 million people die from cardiovascular diseases every year, making heart disease the leading cause of death globally. But, the good news is that most of these deaths can be prevented if you don’t ignore the warning signs and make simple lifestyle changes in your daily routine.
Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2025 Report
Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2025 report shows that many people have hidden heart risks, like artery calcification, fatty liver, and sleep apnea, even if they ‘feel healthy.’ Post-menopausal women are at higher risk and should get regular check-ups. Low levels of vitamins D and B12, as well as anaemia, can leave people feeling tired and make it harder to stay active.
Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru are turning into heart disease hotspots
Apollo’s study reveals a worrying heart health pattern across India’s major cities. In Delhi-NCR, high blood pressure is on the rise, with 65 per cent of people screened showing fatty liver. Mumbai sees nearly 46 per cent of ‘healthy individuals’ with coronary calcium, 25 per cent already having obstructive coronary artery disease, and some patients under 40. In Bengaluru, sedentary office work is driving early-age hypertension and high cholesterol, while in Chennai, 29 per cent are diabetic and 37 per cent pre-diabetic.
Hyderabad shows that over 80 per cent of people with fatty liver are diabetic, and three-fourths of hypertensive people also have fatty liver. In Kolkata, high blood pressure and diabetes often co-exist with hidden anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. Even in Lucknow, risks start young, with 28 per cent of college students overweight and 19 per cent pre-hypertensive.
How to keep yourself safe from heart diseases?
Dr. Mukesh Goel, Senior Consultant of Cardiothoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says, “Heart disease is no longer just an adult problem. Busy lifestyles, poor diet, and lack of exercise mean even young adults are at risk. Simple habits like regular movement, balanced nutrition, and timely check-ups can save lives.”
The gut-heart connection
“It turns out your gut could play a role in how healthy your heart is,” explains Dr. Goel. “The microbes in your digestive system are closely linked to heart function,” he further said.
The gut microbiome is made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes in the intestines. While many are beneficial, an imbalance can affect digestion, immune function, metabolism, and heart health. Certain gut bacteria produce compounds like short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation and support healthy blood vessels, while others create substances like TMAO, linked to artery hardening and higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Dr. Goel adds, “People with heart conditions often have fewer helpful gut bacteria and more inflammatory types. Supporting a healthy gut through a fiber-rich diet, prebiotics, probiotics, and lifestyle changes may help lower heart risks.”
Simple lifestyle changes that can keep your heart healthy
Apollo’s study shows that it’s high time everyone started taking care of their heart health, irrespective of age. Simple lifestyle changes, early check-ups, and good nutrition can play a major role in protecting your heart. On World Heart Day 2025, experts are urging people especially in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to take small but important steps: stay active, eat healthy, manage stress, get regular health screenings, and look after your gut.
Dr. Goel explains, “Looking after your gut can help your heart. The link is real, and by making smart choices today, we can prevent serious heart problems in the future.”