Heart attacks were once considered a concern for people in their sixties or seventies. Hearing about someone in their thirties suffering a fatal cardiac event was rare. But things have changed. Nowadays, it is horrifyingly common to hear of young Indians, even late twenties or early thirties old, suffering heart attacks. In fact, there is now one in four heart attack deaths in India in people aged under 40.
Heart attack usually occurs when a clot clogs blood reaching the heart. A significant 21percent of these cases if not treated can lead to death. The real issue lies in what leads up to the formation of that clot. It is an aggregation of the years of unnoticed silent risk factors which are never monitored.
Diabetes, hypertension, obesity and hypothyroidism are on the rise in young Indians. Over 101 million Indians are already diagnosed diabetic and they are below 45years of age. These are not just isolated conditions. They directly destroy blood vessels, create depositing of plaque, and greatly diminishes the chances of blood clotting. What used to be age related, now is a systemic problem in younger demographics.
Stress has become another significant contributor. In previous generations, families as joint families and communities as close knit provided a cushion of emotion. Today, nuclear family structures and competitive work fields usually result in emotional isolation. The sustained stress leads to hormonal changes that damage arteries, leading to heart problems. It turns into a body weight that outright leads to cardiovascular decline.
Modern lifestyle choices also play a damaging role. Processed foods with lots of sugar, unhealthy fat and preservatives have taken over traditional delicacies loaded with seasonal produce and balanced nutrition. These changes in diet encourage the process of chronic inflammation of the heart, silently destroying the cardiovascular system.
Sleep deprivation and disrupted biological rhythms add further risk. Our bodies used to be healthy on natural rhythms of day and night. Now, an irregular work schedule coupled with binge-watching and constant screen time, have upturned these rhythms. The hormones that control stress, hunger and metabolism are misaligned and make one more vulnerable to heart disease.
Exercise habits too have taken an ironic turn. While more people are going to gyms and following fitness influencers, the focus is often cosmetic. Building muscle mass or achieving a six-pack doesn’t necessarily translate to cardiovascular health. Improper training without a solid foundation of endurance and flexibility may even place extra strain on the heart.
Environmental degradation compounds the problem. The quality of air, water, and food has declined. Pollution is not only visible smog or contaminated rivers. It’s the invisible toxins we absorb daily, which promote oxidative stress and internal inflammation. These toxins damage blood vessels and create ideal conditions for heart attacks.
In this complex scenario, Ayurveda offers a time-tested approach that focuses on both prevention and treatment. Its core philosophy is "Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam, Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam" — to preserve health in the healthy and treat illness in the sick.
At Madhavbaug, this principle is central to how we approach heart disease. One of the core Ayurvedic concepts we follow is Dinacharya, or daily routine. This involves rising before sunrise, maintaining a fixed routine, and living in alignment with nature’s cycles. Regular physical activity, exposure to sunlight, and mindful eating all contribute to internal balance and reduced inflammation. These practices improve cardiovascular health naturally and sustainably.
Ayurveda also recognises the need for internal cleansing. Metabolic waste, or Ama, builds up in the body and contributes to disease if not removed. Through Panchakarma, our signature detox program, we help patients eliminate these toxins. Therapies like Snehana (oleation), Swedana (sweating), Basti (medicated enema), and Virechana (purgation) improve blood vessel flexibility, reduce blood pressure, and enhance heart function.
At Madhavbaug, we have not only preserved these traditions but advanced them through scientific validation. Our specially designed Hriday Shuddhikaran Therapy combines Panchakarma, herbal formulations, dietary changes, and stress management in a structured way. This therapy has shown success in reducing coronary blockages and improving heart ejection fraction. Clinical data from our programmes indicates that over 60 percent of patients show improvement in cardiac function. We have also observed a measurable increase in VO2 max, a critical indicator of heart endurance and overall longevity.
Beyond therapy, we offer specialised programmes such as our Heart Failure Reversal and Diabetes Reversal Programmes. These initiatives focus on underlying causes rather than just symptom management. They combine Ayurvedic treatments with modern diagnostics to help patients reduce dependence on medications while improving quality of life.
Technology is now enhancing Ayurveda’s reach and precision. We offer mobile apps that help patients track their lifestyle habits based on Ayurvedic principles. Teleconsultations, wearable devices, and AI-based risk assessment tools allow us to offer personalized care on a wider scale. This combination of ancient knowledge and modern innovation is making it possible to prevent and reverse heart disease with greater accuracy and accessibility.
When people ask why heart attacks are becoming so common in young Indians, the answer is multi-layered. It is a mix of physical, emotional, environmental, and lifestyle factors. But the good news is that it is not unavoidable. With timely intervention and conscious choices, we can steer clear of this trend.
Dr Rohit Sane, Founder & CEO, Madhavbaug
