Published by the Indian Heart Association
Reviewed by the Physician Team of Indian Heart Association
Heart Disease in Indians – Causes, Risks, and Prevention
What you’ll learn in this article
- What is heart disease?
- Why does heart disease occur?
- Heart disease vs cardiovascular disease
- How can Indians prevent heart disease?
What is heart disease?
The human heart beats about 2.5 billion times over an average lifetime. It pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body — fueling every cell and organ. But like any vital machine, the heart can break down if overworked or poorly maintained.
Heart disease refers to several types of problems that directly affect the heart itself, such as:
- Coronary artery disease (narrowed or blocked heart arteries)
- Heart failure (weakened pumping ability)
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Heart valve defects or leaks
Why does heart disease occur?
Heart disease in Indians is influenced by multiple factors — both lifestyle-related and genetic. The most common contributors include:
- Poor diet (high in sugar, salt, fried or processed foods)
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking or exposure to air pollution
- Uncontrolled blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes
- High stress levels or mental health issues
- Family history of heart problems at a young age
Heart disease vs cardiovascular disease
While often used interchangeably, these terms are different:
- Heart disease affects only the heart (e.g., blocked arteries, weak heart muscles).
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes all diseases of the heart and blood vessels — including stroke and peripheral artery disease.
In fact, stroke and heart attack share many of the same risk factors — and prevention strategies often overlap.
How can Indians prevent heart disease?
Fortunately, most types of heart disease are preventable through simple but consistent habits:
- Eat a balanced Indian diet with whole grains, vegetables, healthy oils, and low salt
- Stay active: walk daily, do yoga, or engage in moderate exercise at least 5 days a week
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Manage diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol with medical guidance
- Sleep well and reduce daily stress
- Get annual heart screenings if you’re over age 30 or have risk factors
The Indian Heart Association offers evidence-based guidance to help you live longer and protect your family from premature heart disease. Learn more by exploring our Health Content Hub.
For additional medical insights, visit the Harvard Health Heart Disease section.