Heart disease diagnosis: Amid rising cases, experts call for early detection

New Delhi: A young woman aspirant who participated in a running test for recruitment of excise department constables in Jharkhand died this month, taking the toll in the physical tests to 13 and as per reports nearly 300 youth aspirants up to 25 years of age were hospitalized. According to experts, alarm bells are ringing and it is high time to take the theme of this year’s World Heart Day- ‘Use Heart for Action’ very seriously. Jharkhand’s incident is an eye-opener and experts recommend catching them young for preventive measures and early detection of underlying or hidden risks with the help of technologies like ECG, ECO, and CT Angio among others.

The young population has become victims of high-stress lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and the increasing prevalence of conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Hence, the risk of heart attack and failure has gone up substantially.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Nayak, Director and Senior Consultant – Cardiology, Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, Delhi said, “At the onset, no technologies or procedures are effective or ineffective. The main criterion is the selection of the right individual for the right technology and procedure. One of the most groundbreaking advancements in cardiac diagnostics is CT Angiography (CT Angio), a non-invasive imaging technique that uses advanced X-ray technology to produce detailed 3D images of the coronary arteries. Unlike traditional angiograms, CT Angio enables us to detect coronary artery disease (CAD) with remarkable precision, without requiring catheterization.”

“We find that CT Angio can be an effective procedure for preventive measure too. It is a painless and quick diagnosis that detects blocked or narrow arteries. It helps in the quick identification of patients who are under threat of heart attacks for further treatment including Angioplasty or others. However, the key lies in selecting the right cases for CT Angio. For instance, chest pain at a young that may occur for other reasons, fits for a CT Angio rather than Angiography, but the same approach should not be applied to all age groups,” added Dr. Pradeep Kumar Nayak
Conventional procedures like echocardiograms (ECO), electrocardiograms (ECGs), and Tread Mill Test (TMT) have been effective in early screening of cardiovascular health.

” Neglecting health conditions or hidden risks including hypertension is common among the young population. Involved in physical activities, they think they are fit and healthy and avoid regular health checkups and that is very risky. We strongly recommend that if young individuals experience any discomfort or uneasiness, they should first undergo an ECG. ECGs are vital in diagnosing cardiac conditions by measuring the heart’s electrical signals, providing critical insights into heart health, and enabling early detection of potential heart diseases. To effectively manage hypertension, it’s essential to follow a consistent medication regimen,” said Dr. Rachit Saxena, Senior Consultant, Cardiac Surgeon, at Narayana Hospital, Gurugram.

With the advancement of new technologies such as Artificial intelligence (AI), cardiologists are in a better position to identify hidden risks. AI is increasingly being integrated into cardiac diagnostics, enabling more accurate and earlier detection of heart conditions.

“Health-related data are crucial and, in this context, AI comes with great promises. It can now accurately evaluate huge and complex data, coming out of ECO, ECGs, and other sources. Being human, our eyes may overlook some abnormalities but advanced AI algorithms cannot. This new technology can detect risk early and also predict clinical outcomes with precision. By offering data-driven insights and recommending personalized treatment plans. We are going to witness a revolution in the field of cardiology with AI that can enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately reshape how we approach cardiac care,” said Dr. Avinash Bansal, Senior Consultant, Interventional, Clinical & Critical Cardiology & Electrophysiology, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi
Cardiology is undergoing a transformative era, driven by innovations in diagnostics. However, experts are of the view that urgent attention is also needed to manage hypertension among the population as well. According to them, hypertension, high stress levels, tobacco consumption, unhealthy diets, and a surge in obesity are major risk factors.

Dr. Siddhartha Mani, Consultant – Cardiology at Narayana Hospital RN Tagore Hospital Mukundapur. emphasized the growing concern over youth neglecting their heart health. ” Some of the risk factors that contribute to heart attack or failure in young population include long-standing ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. There is an urgent need to raise awareness about these underlying conditions, as they can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and heart failure. Regular check-ups and proactive lifestyle changes are essential preventive measures that can help mitigate these risks and protect long-term heart health,” added Dr . Siddhartha Mani.

The rising prevalence of heart failure among the young population requires urgent action. As heart failure—where the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently—continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the country, early detection and lifestyle changes are critical to reducing risk.

“We emphasize the importance of taking heart health seriously and adopting preventive measures. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and effective stress management are vital strategies in combating heart problems. Given the increasing trend of heart-related issues among young people, prioritizing heart checks with existing and new technologies and procedures need to be incorporated into their annual routine is essential for a healthier future,” concluded Dr. Aseem Dhall, Director of Cardiology, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi.