India is witnessing a disturbing surge in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which have emerged as a leading cause of death across the nation. Responding to this alarming situation, P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre launched the ‘Unmute Your Heart’ campaign in honor of World Heart Day 2024. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the strong connection between lifestyle choices and heart health.
Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s iconic ‘Love Mumbai’ signs, this initiative serves as a visual reminder for residents to take their heart health seriously. By placing heart health front and center, P.D. Hinduja Hospital is encouraging people to “unmute” their hearts and adopt a proactive approach toward cardiovascular well-being.
Heart disease has grown into a silent epidemic in India, contributing to a significant number of annual deaths. Over 20% of men and 17% of women in the country lose their lives to CVD each year. One striking statistic is that Indians tend to develop heart problems a full decade earlier than people in Western countries. This early onset has placed an enormous burden on India’s healthcare system, particularly among younger populations and individuals with diabetes, a group that is disproportionately affected by coronary artery disease (CAD). For diabetics in India, CAD prevalence is as high as 21.4%, while it sits at 11% for non-diabetics.
Recognizing the scale of this issue, Gautam Khanna, CEO of P.D. Hinduja Hospital, emphasized the importance of education and early intervention in combating the crisis. “Heart disease is largely preventable,” Khanna noted, “and with timely action, countless lives can be saved. Our goal with this campaign is to inspire people to rethink their daily habits and prioritize their heart health.”
P.D. Hinduja Hospital’s campaign doesn’t just aim to treat heart disease, but to prevent it through community outreach and education. By highlighting the impact of sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and stress on cardiovascular health, the hospital is urging individuals to make small but meaningful changes in their routines.
Dr. Chandrashekhar Ponde, Head of Invasive and Non-Invasive Cardiology at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, commented on the modern lifestyle’s role in escalating heart disease cases. “We want people to understand that simple lifestyle changes—like regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress management—can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease,” he explained. “Listening to your body and making timely adjustments is the key to long-term heart health.”
To spread the message effectively, the hospital is using creative methods. At each ‘Love Mumbai’ sign, a QR code will be displayed, directing people to a dedicated microsite: www.unmuteyourheart.in. This site provides a wealth of resources, from heart health tips to risk factor assessments. The platform also offers appointment scheduling for heart check-ups, encouraging individuals to take that crucial first step toward better cardiovascular health.
As an incentive, the hospital is offering free heart screenings for the first 100 people who register through the site, further emphasizing the need for proactive health measures.
By situating the campaign across various ‘Love Mumbai’ landmarks, P.D. Hinduja Hospital aims to spark a citywide conversation about heart health. The hospital will also conduct several events to increase awareness, ensuring the campaign reaches as many people as possible.
This campaign underscores the hospital’s ongoing commitment to not only treating but also preventing heart disease, ensuring that people are empowered with the knowledge and resources they need to take charge of their heart health. By “unmuting” the heart, P.D. Hinduja Hospital hopes to inspire individuals across Mumbai—and India—to make heart health a priority.
In a country facing a heart disease epidemic, initiatives like these could make all the difference.
