New Delhi, 12th October 2025- As cardiovascular diseases continue to challenge India’s healthcare landscape, experts at BEAT 2025: Cardiovascular Summit & Awards came together to shed light on one of the country’s most underdiagnosed heart conditions -Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
Organized by Voice of Healthcare (VOH) in collaboration with its partners and supported by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), the session titled “India’s Undiagnosed Heart: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Is More Common Than We Think” brought together leading clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and patient advocates to address the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and structured management of this complex cardiac condition.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a disease characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. Despite being one of the most common inherited cardiomyopathies globally-with an estimated prevalence of one in 200 to one in 500 individuals, nearly 80 to 90 percent of patients remain undiagnosed. The condition’s symptoms, include shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness, are frequently misattributed to lifestyle or stress, delaying timely detection and management.
The session, moderated by Dr. K. Madan Gopal, Advisor and Head of Public Health Administration (NHSRC), featured an eminent panel including:
Dr. Upendra Kaul, Chairman – Cardiology & Dean (Academics & Research), Batra Hospital & Medical Research Institute
Dr. Anil Saxena, Director, Cardiac Patient Program & Lecturer, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
Prof. N. N. Khanna, Founder & Chairman, Asia Pacific Vascular Society and Senior Consultant, Apollo Hospitals
Mr. Ram Khandelwal, CEO & Founder, Heart Health India Foundation.
Together, they explored the hidden burden of HCM, its diagnostic challenges, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration for improved patient outcomes.
Opening the discussion, Dr. Upendra Kaul explained that Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy remains one of the most common yet least recognized cardiac conditions. He highlighted that most patients live with the condition unknowingly and that its progression can lead to serious complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac death. He emphasized the need for routine screening, imaging, and genetic assessment for at-risk individuals. “We’re talking about a condition that is very often not recognized or remains underdiagnosed. It is estimated that one in 200 to one in 500 people may have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; yet 80 to 90 percent of them remain undiagnosed,” said Dr. Kaul, stressing that follow-up and risk assessment, particularly among younger patients, are essential to prevent fatal outcomes.
Moderating the session, Dr. K. Madan Gopal placed the issue in a broader public health context, noting that awareness and early diagnosis remain the weakest links in India’s cardiac care chain. He underscored that most cases go unnoticed until middle age due to a lack of standardized screening and diagnostic pathways. “As a public health professional, I often see a significant diagnostic gap. Many cases go unnoticed until the age of 40. If you don’t suspect, you won’t see, suspicion remains the cornerstone of early detection,” he remarked. Dr. Gopal emphasized the importance of developing standardized ECHO protocols, encouraging genetic counseling and family screening, and integrating awareness programs into public health frameworks.
Contributing his clinical insights, Dr. Anil Saxena highlighted the significance of distinguishing between obstructive and non-obstructive HCM and the critical role of imaging and provocation testing in revealing subtle cardiac abnormalities. Dr Saxena emphasized, "Many patients with mild breathlessness or fatigue often have their symptoms misattributed to conditions like obesity or respiratory issues; undergoing multiple tests yet missing a simple ECHO evaluation that could reveal the real problem." Later, he also highlighted the pivotal role of imaging, stating that “Even with advanced imaging tools like MRI and echocardiography, variations in quality across urban and rural settings lead to missed diagnosis.
Prof. N. N. Khanna addressed the systemic challenges that hinder effective management of HCM, including inadequate awareness among physicians and diagnosis among patients. He called for establishing dedicated HCM centers of excellence and implementing a hub-and-spoke model to ensure accessibility and continuity of care. “Once we identify HCM, distinguishing between obstructive and non-obstructive variants is critical. Provocation maneuvers -such as squatting to standing help reveal latent gradients. This truly requires a multi-disciplinary approach from diagnosis, screening, and the treatment care,” stated Prof. Khanna.
Representing the patient perspective, Mr. Ram Khandelwal, a heart patient and advocate, shared his personal journey to highlight the importance of awareness and early recognition. He recounted that his early symptoms of dizziness and fatigue were dismissed as minor, reflecting a broader public perception that delays diagnosis. He emphasized that patient storytelling can be a powerful communication tool to foster learning and awareness among communities. “Only about 5 percent of global HCM cases are diagnosed. Early screening and awareness could save lives. Storytelling is not just education -it’s learning through shared experiences that can prevent another person’s tragedy,” said Mr. Khandelwal.
The panel concluded with a unified message on the need for early suspicion, standardized diagnostic practices, and collaborative treatment models that integrate cardiology, imaging, genetics, and patient advocacy. The experts called for the establishment of national HCM registries, increased training for healthcare providers, and the creation of structured patient support systems to promote long-term management and adherence.
Summarizing the discussion, it is noted that programs like BEAT 2025 serve as vital platforms to bridge the awareness gap between medical science, policy, and patient advocacy. Collaboration between stakeholders -clinicians, policymakers, and advocacy groups will determine how effectively India addresses its silent cardiac challenges.
For further information, please contact:
Voice of Healthcare (VOH)
voices@voiceofhealthcare.org