Every year, 29 September is observed as World Heart Day, reminding us that cardiovascular health is not just about treating heart disease—it is about preventing it, recognising it early and taking action before a crisis occurs.

The theme for World Heart Day 2026, “heart disease can hide in plain sight: Don’t miss a beat,” is particularly relevant today. Heart disease does not always announce itself with dramatic symptoms.

High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and early coronary artery disease can remain silent for years, sometimes revealing themselves only when a heart attack or stroke occurs.

Heart disease is no longer just a disease of old age

One of the most important changes we are seeing in clinical practice is the increasing burden of cardiovascular disease among relatively young adults.

Sedentary lifestyles, increasing stress, obesity, smoking, unhealthy dietary patterns, diabetes and hypertension are contributing to cardiovascular risk at an earlier age. In India, this makes prevention and early screening particularly important.

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The good news is that many cardiovascular diseases are preventable or their risk can be substantially reduced. Controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and following a heart-healthy diet can make a significant difference.

Don’t wait for chest pain

A common misconception is that heart disease always causes obvious chest pain. Unfortunately, that is not true.

Breathlessness, unusual fatigue, sweating, discomfort in the jaw, back or arms, dizziness or a sudden decline in exercise tolerance can sometimes be warning signs.

Women, people with diabetes and older adults may experience less typical symptoms.

Any new or unexplained symptoms, particularly when they occur during exertion, deserve medical attention.

Know your numbers

Heart health begins with knowing your risk.

Regularly monitor:

  • Blood pressure
  • Blood sugar / HbA1c
  • Cholesterol
  • Body weight and waist circumference
  • Smoking and tobacco exposure
  • Family history of premature heart disease

The right screening strategy depends on an individual’s age, symptoms and risk profile. Not everyone needs every cardiac test. What matters is appropriate evaluation based on individual risk, rather than waiting for a cardiac event.

Small changes can protect a lifetime

Heart health is built through everyday choices.

  • Walk more.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and appropriate sources of protein.
  • Reduce excess salt, refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.
  • Avoid tobacco.
  • Sleep adequately.
  • Manage stress.
  • Take prescribed medications consistently.

These may sound like simple recommendations, but their cumulative effect over years can be enormous.

And when the warning comes, act quickly

If someone develops sudden chest discomfort, breathlessness, sweating, faintness or other concerning symptoms suggestive of a heart attack, do not wait for the symptoms to settle on their own. Seek emergency medical care immediately.

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In cardiology, time can make a critical difference. Early recognition and timely treatment can save heart muscle and lives.

This World Heart Day, don’t just think about your heart, think about the heart of someone you love.

Encourage your parents to check their blood pressure and cholesterol. Encourage your spouse to stay active.

Teach your children healthy habits early. And if you have risk factors, don’t postpone that health check-up. A healthy heart is not achieved in one day. It is protected by the choices we make every day.

- Dr. Anup Mahajani is a Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Valve expert, at Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai