Experts in New Delhi stressed on Friday that mental well-being plays a key role in stopping chronic diseases, particularly heart disease, as India faces a sharp rise in cases among young adults and even children.
Rajesh Bhushan, former secretary at India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, spoke at an event ahead of World Heart Day on September 29. He called for a big shift in how people approach health. “We need to move away from just treating illnesses and focus on building real health habits in families, schools, and communities to tackle India’s heart health crisis,” Bhushan said.
He pushed for weaving mental health support into everyday healthcare and urged schools to prioritize kids’ emotional strength. “Pairing regular exercise and stress relief with early mental health care at home and in schools is essential,” Bhushan added. “Life’s a marathon, not a sprint. Young people need help developing patience, resilience, and balance to avoid early burnout. Schools can lead the way by swapping bad habits for healthy ones, boosting mental wellness, and promoting physical activity.”
Other specialists pointed out how mental stress, air pollution, and unhealthy lifestyles fuel heart problems. They highlighted the need for early preventive screenings to catch issues before they worsen. On a positive note, they noted how digital health tools, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing cardiac care in India, helping connect urban and rural areas.
Dr. Sandeep Bansal, director at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, shared alarming stats: Cardiovascular disease now hits younger people hard, with about 60% of heart attacks in India striking those under 55. “Prevention offers the best value—it’s just one-sixth the cost of treatment,” he said. “To make real headway, we must improve hypertension management, link mental health to heart care, and start awareness campaigns in schools. Fighting heart disease takes teamwork: solid government policies, private sector involvement, and everyone embracing healthier choices.”
Anil Rajput, chairperson of the Illness to Wellness Foundation’s advisory council, praised India’s government efforts. Programs like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and PM-JAY deliver preventive services, spot diseases early, and shield families from high treatment costs.
Fellow experts echoed calls for routine check-ups, emotional balance, healthy eating, and overall lifestyle changes. They advocated for a nationwide push on heart health, centered on raising awareness, regular screenings, mental well-being support, emergency training like CPR, and strong community involvement.
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