Mumbai cardiologists are raising serious concerns over a growing trend in heart disease management, nearly 60 per cent of patients seek treatment only after their coronary arteries are 80-90 per cent blocked, putting them at a high risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. Experts emphasise that timely action, early detection, and regular health check-ups are crucial to protect the heart and save lives.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, limiting oxygen-rich blood flow. This condition develops silently over several years, often without noticeable symptoms. Early warning signs may include mild chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations, but many patients ignore these signs. Left untreated, CAD can lead to severe complications, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Risk factors include sedentary lifestyles, long working hours, chronic stress, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol use, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Alarmingly, cardiologists across Mumbai and Maharashtra are observing an increase in heart attacks among people in their 30s-40s, traditionally considered a lower-risk group.