In a world that seems to spin ever faster, a silent crisis is taking hold: stress has become one of the biggest threats to heart health for millions of Indians today. While we meticulously monitor cholesterol and sugar levels, the profound and often unseen role of stress quietly damages our bodies. 

Dr Sameer Pagad, director - intervention cardiology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, explains, “Patients often ask whether stress can truly ‘damage’ the heart. The available evidence and observational data leave no doubt about this connection. The brain and heart are deeply connected, and stress, whether sudden or long-lasting, can have direct impact on our cardiovascular health. Acute emotional stress, such as a sudden shock, anger, or grief, can set off a chain reaction in the body.”

“Our hospitals are now seeing a new patient demographic—young professionals, homemakers, entrepreneurs, and even students—all battling rising blood pressure, chest pain, and palpitations, often without classic risk factors. While we discuss cholesterol and sugar levels, the silent role of stress often goes unnoticed," says Dr G Vivek, consultant-cardiology, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru.