Heart disease is no longer an old-age issue in India: Why this matters now
Cardiology deals with the heart and blood vessels, and this field has never been more crucial in India. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the country. Indians tend to develop heart problems almost a decade earlier than people in many Western nations, according to the research published in The Lancet. Long work hours, rising diabetes, smoking, poor sleep, and delayed check-ups quietly strain the heart every day. While India’s doctor-to-patient ratio stands at 1:834, access to timely and affordable heart care still remains uneven. Many conditions reach hospitals late, when damage has already begun.It is in this context that TOI Medithon on cardiology returns with Cardio Medithon 2 on January 19, bringing expert voices together to close the knowledge gap and make heart health conversations more accessible.
TOI Medithon: Bridging the heart-care gap with credible voices
TOI Medithon was created to narrow the distance between doctors and the public. The initiative focuses on awareness, early diagnosis, and informed decision-making. It also acknowledges physician burnout and the pressure on India’s healthcare system, while keeping patients at the centre of the discussion.Cardio Medithon 2 continues this mission with focused panel discussions on heart disease prevention, recovery, women’s heart health, and the changing risks among younger generations. The goal is, clear information from trusted cardiologists, delivered in a way that stays with people long after the event ends.
Preventing heart disease: Building an amazing heart, one habit at a time
The day begins from 11 AM to 12 PM with a session on preventing heart diseases to achieve an “Amazing Heart, Amazing Life.” This discussion looks closely at everyday risks that slowly harm the heart and how they can be addressed early.The panel includes Dr Biswa Ranjan Jena, MD (Medicine), DM (Cardiology), Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Diabetologist from Bhubaneshwar; Dr Gautam Swaroop, Director and Head of the Department of Cardiac Sciences at Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow; and Dr Rizwan Ul Haque, Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman and Chief Consultant at Apex Superspeciality Hospital, Solapur.The conversation is expected to highlight practical prevention strategies, early warning signs, and the role of lifestyle choices in long-term heart health.
Women and heart health: Beyond the obvious signs
From 12 PM to 1 PM, the focus shifts to women’s heart health with the session “Beyond the Obvious: What Every Woman Should Know to Have an Amazing Heart, Amazing Life.” Heart disease in women often presents differently, and symptoms are frequently overlooked or misunderstood.This panel features Dr S. Aravinda Kumar, Chief Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist and Lead Consultant for Heart Failure Services at Kauvery Hospital, Tiruchirappalli; Dr Arnab Ghosh Chaudhary, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Director at Dyuti Cardio & Gastro Solutions, Durgapur; and Dr Rajiv Gupta, Chairman of Preventive Cardiology, General Medicine and Research at Eternal Hospital, Jaipur.The discussion aims to shed light on silent risks, hormonal influences, and the importance of timely diagnosis in women.
Life after a heart attack: Recovery that goes beyond survival
The 1 PM to 2 PM session addresses recovery after a heart attack, a phase filled with fear and confusion. Survival is only the first step; rebuilding strength and confidence matters just as much.Speaking on this topic are Dr Ravindran R,”Associate Professor Cardiology, Interventional cardiologist Madras Medical College & Rays Clinic, Anna Nagar”; Dr Praveen P Sadarmin, Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Director, Cath Lab, Trustwell Hospitals, Bengaluru; and Dr Soumya Kanti Dutta, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist from Kolkata.The session is expected to focus on rehabilitation, medication adherence, mental health, and realistic expectations during recovery.
Gen Z and Generation Alpha: Why heart care must start early
The final session, from 2 PM to 3 PM, looks at heart health among Gen Z and Generation Alpha. Heart disease is no longer limited to older adults, and early habits now shape future outcomes.This discussion brings together Dr Tiny Nair, MD, DM Cardiology, Head of the Department of Cardiology at PRS Hospital, Trivandrum; Dr K A Sambasivam, “MD, DNB, DM, FCSI, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Chairman, Department of Cardiology, G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital, Coimbatore”; and Dr Karumuri Srinivasa Reddy, MD, DM, Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman at Karumuri Hospital, Guntur.The session aims to connect modern lifestyles, screen time, stress, and metabolic health with long-term cardiac risk.Cardio Medithon 2 is more than a medical event. It is a reminder that heart health is shaped by awareness, timely action, and honest conversations. By bringing experienced cardiologists from across the country onto one platform, TOI Medithon continues its effort to make heart care less intimidating and more human. January 19 stands as a day dedicated to listening closely to the heart, before it is forced to speak through illness.
