Heart disease is no longer a condition associated only with older adults. Across India, cardiologists are seeing an increasing number of younger patients with heart attacks, raising important questions about early detection, prevention and the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment.

In this episode, Anuja Jaiswal, a Senior Assistant Editor with TOI, speaks with Dr Ambuj Roy, professor of cardiology at AIIMS, New Delhi, about how heart care has evolved over the past two decades, and what patients need to know in order to protect themselves.

Dr Roy explains the difference between a calcium score and a CT coronary angiography, when a heart CT scan is actually needed, and why routine CT screening for everyone above 40 is not recommended despite the growing burden of heart disease. He discusses how doctors decide between ECG, echocardiography, CT angiography and cardiac MRI, depending on the patient’s symptoms and clinical suspicion.

The conversation also explores why heart attacks are becoming more common among young Indians, highlighting the role of unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, stress and air pollution. Dr Roy explains how managing these risk factors can substantially reduce the risk of heart disease.

The episode examines the growing role of artificial intelligence in interpreting ECGs, echocardiograms and CT scans, and whether AI can improve access to quality cardiac diagnosis in resource-constrained settings. It also addresses one of the biggest debates in cardiology: are stents being overused? Dr Roy explains when stents are lifesaving, when medicines may be enough, and why patients with stable heart disease should make informed decisions.

The episode concludes with practical advice on recognising heart attack symptoms, immediate first aid, understanding blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol targets, and adopting healthier lifestyles to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Last but not the least, there’s a nutrition tip by nutritionist Sangeetha Aiyer (https://www.rewriteyourstory.in/). Do Listen!

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: Why heart disease is rising in young Indians

01:03 – What is a Heart CT Scan? Calcium Score vs CT Angiography

03:05 – ECG, Echo, CT Scan or MRI: Which Heart Test Do You Need?

05:34 – Should Everyone Above 40 Get a Heart CT Scan?

09:24 – Why Are More Young Indians Suffering Heart Attacks?

11:19 – Major Heart Attack Risk Factors You Should Never Ignore

12:32 – How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Heart Diagnosis

14:38 – Are Stents Overused? When They Save Lives and When They Don't

18:24 – Can Patients Tell If They Really Need a Stent?

19:11 – Three Essential Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy

21:06 – First Aid During a Heart Attack: What Should You Do?

22:05 – Why an ECG in the First Hour Can Save Your Heart

23:20 – Final Takeaways from Dr Ambuj Roy