Mumbai: Heart disease is no longer a concern only for the elderly, according to a recent Heart Health Insights Survey conducted by Wockhardt Hospitals in South Mumbai and surrounding suburban areas.
The month-long Wockhardt Hospitals South Mumbai survey included responses from cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, resident medical officers (RMOs), and general practitioners, offering a comprehensive overview of cardiac risks in the region.
Wockhardt Hospitals South Mumbai Survey: Worrying Trend
The survey findings indicate a worrying trend: more patients under 40 are presenting with cardiac issues.
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Approximately two-thirds of doctors reported a noticeable increase in heart-related cases among younger adults, while middle-aged individuals remain the largest affected demographic.
“Ten years ago, cardiac events in patients in their 30s were rare. Today, we are seeing cases in late 20s and 30s, often driven by stress, unhealthy lifestyles, and lack of preventive care. This trend is a wake-up call for urban India,” stated Dr Gulshan Rohra, Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
Preventive heart check-ups remain largely neglected, with only one in three patients visiting doctors before symptoms appear.
Dr Parin Sangoi, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, emphasized, “Prevention and awareness must be prioritized. Many patients arrive too late, missing the ‘golden hour’ crucial for treatment and recovery.”
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The Wockhardt Hospitals South Mumbai survey also highlighted gaps in awareness: over 70% of doctors observed that patients have limited knowledge of blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar control, and more than half cannot identify early heart attack warning signs like chest pain, sweating, or shortness of breath.
Dr Virendra Chauhan, Center Head, Wockhardt Hospitals, noted, “Awareness, timely response, and access to care are critical. At Wockhardt, we aim to bridge these gaps by partnering with doctors, communities, and media to foster a healthier Mumbai.”
Wockhardt Hospitals South Mumbai survey gathered insights from 326 doctors across Western India, including Mumbai City, MMR, Rajkot, and Nagpur, with 117 doctors from South Mumbai contributing responses that formed the basis of this report.
Wockhardt Hospitals South Mumbai Survey Highlights:
- Gender Distribution: 67% doctors reported heart issues are predominantly in men; 23% noted a balanced distribution.
- Most Affected Age Group: 80% cited middle-aged (41–60 years), 10% seniors (60+), 8% young adults (<40).
- Rise in Cases Under 40: 62% reported a significant increase, 34% slight increase.
- Main Risk Factors: Stress, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, poor diet, and diabetes.
- Preventive Check-Ups: Only 35% of patients seek preventive evaluations; 65% visit after symptoms.
- Patient Awareness: 70% partially aware of BP, cholesterol, sugar levels; only 20% well-informed.
- Golden Hour Arrival: 40% rarely reach hospital on time, 45% sometimes.
- Recognizing Early Signs: 50% partial awareness, 30% poor awareness.
- Barriers to Timely Treatment: Delay in symptom recognition, lack of emergency response, and financial hurdles.
- Recommended Preventive Strategy: Lifestyle modifications, regular screenings, and improved cardiac facilities.
