As responsible corporate, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, conducted a month-long Heart Health Insights Survey with practicing doctors across South Mumbai and peripheral suburban areas. The target group included cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, resident medical officers (RMOs), and general practitioners, offering a comprehensive picture of cardiac health challenges in the community.
The survey findings have raised serious concerns: heart disease is no longer restricted to the elderly. Two-thirds of doctors reported a significant rise in cardiac cases among people under 40, while the middle-aged remain the largest affected group.
“Ten years ago, cardiac patients in their 30s were rare. Today, we are seeing professionals in their late 20s and 30s presenting with heart attacks linked to stress, poor lifestyle habits, and neglect of health. This is a wake-up call for urban India,” said Dr Gulshan Rohra, Chief Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central
The survey revealed that preventive heart check-ups are still neglected. Only one in three patients visit doctors for preventive screening, with the majority seeking medical advice only after symptoms appear.
“Preventive care is almost absent in our culture. The survey shows that even educated patients underestimate cardiac risk. By the time they come to us, they often miss the ‘golden hour’, reducing chances of survival and recovery. Prevention and awareness must be the new priority,” said Dr.Parin Sangoi, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central
Lack of awareness is another major gap. Over 70% of doctors observed that patients have only partial knowledge about blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar control. More than half also said that patients were unable to identify classic early warning signs of heart attack like chest pain, sweating, or breathlessness.
“This survey reflects the reality we face every day in hospitals. Awareness, speed, and access are three crucial factors. At Wockhardt, we believe it is our duty to address these gaps by partnering with doctors, communities, and media to build a healthier Mumbai,” said Dr.Virendra Chauhan, Center Head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
Overall, the survey covered Western India — Mumbai City - MMR, Rajkot, and Nagpur — with participation from around 326 doctors. Out of this, 117 doctors from South Mumbai contributed their responses, forming the basis of this report.