How sedentary lifestyle in urban India is spurring cardiovascular diseases

Hyderabad: A new study has revealed that over 80% of people with fatty liver in Hyderabad are diabetic, while three-fourths of hypertensive patients were found to have fatty liver.

The `Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2025′ study has highlighted the growing overlap of lifestyle-related conditions in urban India, underscoring the urgency for preventive heart health measures.

Apollo’s Call on World Heart Day 2025

On World Heart Day, Apollo Hospitals launched its campaign with the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat”, urging every Indian to adopt daily heart-healthy practices. The hospital network stressed that cardiovascular disease continues to claim millions of lives each year, yet most cases can be prevented through early detection, lifestyle changes, and timely treatment.

Nationwide Health Risks Identified

The study revealed widespread silent health risks across India:

• Asymptomatic conditions: Artery calcification, fatty liver, and sleep apnea were detected even in people without visible symptoms.

• Women’s health: Post-menopausal women face elevated cardiovascular risk and need tailored screening.

• Nutrient gaps: Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies, along with anemia, are limiting energy levels and reducing adherence to exercise routines.

• Youth inactivity: Poor flexibility, strength, and balance were observed among teenagers before the age of 25, setting the stage for early-onset heart disease.

Regional Highlights

• Delhi-NCR: Hypertension rates are climbing, with fatty liver found in 65% of those screened.

• Mumbai: 46% of asymptomatic individuals showed coronary calcium, while 25% already had obstructive CAD; 2.5% were under 40.

• Chennai: 29% of those screened were diabetic and 37% pre-diabetic.

• Bengaluru: Sedentary indoor work contributed to early hypertension and dyslipidemia.

• Kolkata: Hypertension and diabetes frequently coincided with hidden anemia and micronutrient deficiencies.

• Lucknow: Risks begin young, with 28% of college students overweight and 19% pre-hypertensive.

Apollo’s Cardiac Care Milestones

Since 1983, Apollo Hospitals has been at the forefront of cardiac treatment in India. Its achievements include:

• Over three lakh heart surgeries with a 99.6% success rate

• More than 500 robotic cardiac procedures

• Over 500 TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) interventions

• A network of 375+ cardiologists across the country

Chairman’s Message

Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, said:

“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. ‘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. 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.”