Overview

• WHO says cardiovascular disease is the leading killer in the South‑East Asia Region, with eight deaths each minute and about half occurring before age 70.
• As many as 85% of people living with hypertension and diabetes in the region do not have their conditions under control, according to WHO officials.
• India’s Sample Registration System reports cardiovascular diseases caused about 31% of all deaths in 2021–23, up from 22.2% in 2007–2013, with higher urban rates and growing impact on working‑age adults.
• Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2025 report flags urban hotspots—Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru—with widespread hidden risks such as coronary calcium, fatty liver and early obstructive coronary artery disease.
• Clinicians and government leaders used World Heart Day to press prevention, routine screening and symptom awareness, urging exercise, healthier diets, quitting tobacco and immediate emergency calls for suspected heart attacks.