Heart Attacks Among Young Indians and the Mind–Heart Connection

A Wake-Up Call for the Young

In recent years, India has witnessed a worrying rise in heart attacks among people under 45. Once considered an ailment of old age, heart disease has now emerged as a silent threat to the youth — driven by modern lifestyles, mental stress, and the often-overlooked link between the mind and the heart.

The Lifestyle Trap

Fast-paced urban living has transformed how young Indians work, eat, and rest. Long hours in front of screens, irregular sleep, processed food, and constant professional pressure have become routine. Add to that the increasing use of tobacco and alcohol, lack of exercise, and emotional burnout — and the result is a perfect storm for early heart disease.
For many, post-COVID complications such as heart inflammation, along with excessive gym workouts without medical supervision, have only deepened the risk.

The Invisible Link Between Mind and Heart

Scientific studies now confirm what traditional wisdom has long hinted — emotional distress directly impacts the heart. When a person experiences prolonged anxiety, grief, or anger, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These elevate blood pressure, increase inflammation, and damage blood vessels over time, paving the way for cardiac problems.
At the same time, those already living with heart conditions often develop depression or anxiety, which delays recovery. The connection between mental well-being and cardiac health is, therefore, inseparable — healing one requires nurturing the other.

Mukti’s Grassroots Health Interventions

Recognising this vital connection, Mukti has been working consistently to build a culture of preventive healthcare in rural Bengal. Through its Health Program, Mukti regularly organises community-level health camps offering free blood pressure and blood sugar screening, enabling early detection of hypertension and diabetes — two leading causes of heart disease.
Trained Swastha Shongini health workers conduct door-to-door visits, educating families about healthy diets, stress management, and the importance of regular check-ups. They also raise awareness about the impact of mental stress on heart health and encourage individuals to seek timely medical advice rather than ignoring warning signs like fatigue or chest discomfort.

Towards a Healthier, Calmer Heart

Preventing heart disease is not only about controlling physical risk factors but also about cultivating mental balance. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol are essential. Equally crucial are practices like yoga, meditation, and counselling, which calm the mind and strengthen the heart.

A Closing Thought

The rise in heart attacks among young Indians is not just a medical crisis — it is a reflection of how stress and lifestyle are reshaping our inner lives. As Mukti’s health initiatives continue to reach deeper into communities, they remind us of a simple yet powerful truth:
When we learn to accept life in all its light and shadow, we grow stronger within — reducing stress and keeping the heart healthy.

Sonamon Basu
Program Manager – Health, MUKTI