New Delhi: Is diabetes linked to a higher risk of heart attacks in young individuals? Can pre-diabetes be detected early? These pressing health concerns were discussed at the TV9 Global Summit ‘What India Thinks Today’ (WITT) 2025. Experts highlight the alarming rise of heart attacks among people under 50, attributing it to poor lifestyle choices, irregular sleep patterns, and unhealthy diets. They also stressed the growing impact of diabetes on heart health, warning that early detection and lifestyle changes are key to prevention.
Rise in heart attacks in people under 50
Dr Mahesh Wadhwani, director and head of the Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery Department at Fortis Hospital, highlight that many heart surgery patients are under 50 years old, attributing this trend to poor lifestyle choices. He emphasised that irregular sleep patterns and consumption of fast food high in sugar, salt, and refined flour are major contributors to early-onset heart diseases. Dr Wadhwani stressed the urgent need for lifestyle modifications to curb this growing concern.
He also pointed out the rapid rise in diabetes cases in India, which is another major cause of worry, contributing to heart diseases. Diabetes affects heart function and increases the risk of heart attacks.
Diabetes is often asymptomatic in its early stages
Dr SK Wangnoo, an endocrinologist and diabetes specialist at the Apollo Hospitals, further elaborated on the issue. He stated that diabetes is often asymptomatic in its early stages, leading people to realise its impact only after proper diagnosis. This disease affects almost every part of the body, including the heart.
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent complications. Dr Wangnoo recommended the HbA1c test, a simple and effective way to detect diabetes early. He advised that “individuals with a family history of diabetes, obesity, poor lifestyle habits, or smoking tendencies should undergo routine testing. Timely detection can help manage diabetes through medication and lifestyle changes, reducing the risk of heart disease and other complications.”
The discussion at WITT 2025 underscored the importance of awareness, lifestyle changes, and early diagnosis in preventing heart diseases and diabetes among young individuals. Experts urged people to prioritise healthy living habits, regular health check-ups, and proactive management of risk factors to safeguard their heart health.
The TV9 Network’s ‘What India Thinks Today’ Global Summit 2025 highlighted a concerning rise in heart attacks among young Indians, often linked to undiagnosed diabetes. Experts emphasise the role of poor lifestyle choices, irregular sleep patterns, and unhealthy diets. Early detection of pre-diabetes through HbA1c testing and lifestyle modifications are crucial preventative measures to reduce the risk of heart disease and related complications. Health Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
