World Heart Day 2025 Spotlights Heart Warnings, Post-Attack Recovery
NEW DELHI — The World Heart Federation marked World Heart Day on September 29, 2025, with a global campaign emphasizing six warning signs of heart disease and a structured recovery plan for the first 90 days after a heart attack. The initiative, under the theme "Don't Miss a Beat," urged individuals to recognize early symptoms to prevent cardiovascular events.
The observance included guidelines from Indian cardiologists and hospitals, which identified common overlooked signals of heart issues. These signs, detailed in reports from Aaj Tak and other outlets, include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, irregular heartbeat, swelling in the legs, and unexplained dizziness. Doctors recommended immediate medical consultation if these persist for several days, according to the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The event drew attention to rising heart disease cases in India, where cardiovascular conditions cause nearly 25 percent of deaths, per World Health Organization data cited in local briefings. In New Delhi and other cities, hospitals such as Apollo and Max Healthcare hosted awareness sessions on September 28 and 29, focusing on prevention through regular screenings like ECG and lipid profiles.
Dr. Aken Desai, a consultant interventional cardiologist at Shrimad Rajachandra Hospital in Mumbai, outlined a recovery roadmap for heart attack survivors in a Jagran report. "The first 90 days determine full recovery," Desai said. He advised starting with supervised cardiac rehabilitation, including light walking from day one post-discharge, medication adherence for blood pressure and cholesterol, and a diet low in saturated fats. By day 30, patients should incorporate moderate exercise, and by day 90, resume work if cleared by physicians.
Supporting details from the roadmap include family involvement in monitoring symptoms and stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, as per Apollo Hospitals' Health of the Nation 2025 study. The study found that 50 percent of Indian adults remain physically inactive, increasing risks.
Officials from the World Heart Federation stated that the campaign aims to reduce global cardiovascular deaths by 25 percent by 2025 through education. In India, the Public Health Foundation noted that early intervention could prevent 80 percent of heart attacks.
No official statements were available from the Indian Ministry of Health on specific recovery metrics by late September 29. Future steps include nationwide screening drives in October 2025, as announced by the Indian Council of Medical Research.