As responsible corporate, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, conducted a month-long Heart Health Insights Survey with practicing doctors across North Mumbai suburbs including Dahisar, Mira Road, Thane, and Palghar. The target group included cardiologists, physicians, and general practitioners, offering a comprehensive picture of cardiac health challenges in the suburban and extended metropolitan community.
The survey findings have raised serious concerns: heart disease is no longer restricted to the elderly. Most doctors said middle-aged patients (41–60 years) dominate the cases, while nearly 10% reported even young adults under 40 presenting with heart-related concerns.
“Even in suburban practice, professionals in their 30s are coming in with cardiac emergencies linked to stress, poor diets, and sedentary living. This is a wake-up call for the community,” said Dr. Ashish Mishra, Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.
The survey revealed that preventive heart check-ups are still neglected. Only about one in three patients undergoes preventive screening, with the majority seeking medical advice only after symptoms appear.
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.
Overall, the survey covered Western India — Mumbai City, MMR, Rajkot, and Nagpur — with participation from around 326 doctors. Out of this, 107 doctors from Dahisar to Palghar and Thane city contributed their responses, forming the basis of this report.
Survey Insights :
1. What has been the gender distribution among heart patients in the past year?
• 67% doctors said heart issues are predominantly in men.
• 23% said it’s balanced across genders.
Remark: Men remain more vulnerable, but women are no longer untouched.
2. Which age group is most commonly affected with heart-related conditions?
• Over 80% said middle-aged (41–60 years) dominate cases.
• Around 10% pointed to seniors (60+).
• 8% reported even young adults (<40 years).
Remark: Middle age is now the critical risk zone, with younger patients showing signs too.
3. Have heart cases among patients under 40 increased compared to 5 years ago?
• 62%: Significantly higher.
• 34%: Slightly higher.
Remark: A worrying trend — heart issues among youth are sharply rising.
4. What do doctors believe are the main drivers of heart disease in their region?
87%: All of the above (stress, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, poor diet, diabetes).
Remark: Not one culprit — but a deadly cocktail of modern lifestyle factors.
5. Do patients usually come for preventive cardiac check-ups or only after symptoms?
• Only 35% said patients seek preventive cardiac evaluation.
• 65% come only after symptoms.
Remark: Preventive culture is weak — people wait until it’s too late.
6. How aware are patients about their BP, cholesterol, and sugar levels before diagnosis?
• 70%: Partially aware.
• 20%: Well aware.
Remark: Most patients live in the “half-knowledge” danger zone.
7. During cardiac emergencies, how often do patients reach the hospital within the golden hour?
• 40%: Rarely (most arrive late).
• 45%: Sometimes.
Remark: Precious time is lost — delays cost lives in cardiac emergencies.
8. How well does the public recognize early warning signs of a heart attack?
• 50%: Partial awareness.
• 30%: Poor awareness.
Remark: Many fail to recognize chest pain or sweating as heart attack signs — ignorance is deadly.
9. What are the biggest barriers preventing timely treatment for heart disease?
40%: All of the above (late recognition, lack of emergency response, financial hurdles).
Remark: Barriers are both medical and social — awareness, speed, and access all matter.
10. What preventive strategy should be prioritized to reduce heart disease in India?
Majority: Lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, no tobacco/alcohol).
Others: More cardiac facilities and regular preventive screenings.
Remark: Doctors strongly emphasize — prevention is in our own hands.
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