Silent risks push India’s heart health crisis to the edge, finds Apollo study

Cardiovascular disease continues to be India’s leading killer, and new findings from Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2025 study reveal why. Silent risks like artery calcification, fatty liver, and sleep apnea are showing up even in people without symptoms, while inactivity among teenagers is leaving many with poor flexibility, strength, and balance before the age of 25, raising the odds of early heart disease.

Post-menopausal women were found to face higher cardiovascular risk, calling for tailored screening. Nutritional gaps are compounding the problem - deficiencies in Vitamin D, B12, and anemia reduce energy levels, making it harder to sustain regular exercise.

“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. 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,” said Dr Prathap C Reddy, chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group. 

On World Heart Day 2025, Apollo Hospitals has launched a campaign urging Indians to “Don’t Miss a Beat” by prioritising preventive care, regular screening, and lifestyle changes.

“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,” added Dr Reddy.

Regional insights

The study shows that health risks vary sharply across India’s major cities. In Delhi-NCR, hypertension prevalence continues to rise, with fatty liver detected in 65% of those screened. Mumbai presented a worrying picture too: 46% of asymptomatic individuals had coronary calcium, a quarter already showed obstructive coronary artery disease, and 2.5% of them were under the age of 40. Chennai stood out for high metabolic concerns, with 29% of individuals diabetic and 37% pre-diabetic.

In Bengaluru, early hypertension and dyslipidemia are being driven by long sedentary indoor work hours. In Hyderabad, over 80% of those with fatty liver were diabetic, and three-fourths of hypertensive individuals also suffered from fatty liver. Kolkata revealed a dual burden, where hypertension and diabetes co-exist alongside hidden anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. In Lucknow, risks are setting in early - 28% of college students were found to be overweight and 19% were pre-hypertensive.