At 25, heart health may be the last thing on your mind. But could the lifestyle choices you make today already be shaping your heart health for the future?In this episode, host Anuja Jaiswal, a senior assistant editor with TOI, speaks to senior cardiac surgeon Dr Naresh Trehan, chairman and managing director of Medanta, about why heart disease remains a major concern in India and why younger people should not assume they are immune.

Dr Trehan explains the role of genetics, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity, stress, sedentary lifestyles, pollution and dietary habits in cardiovascular risk. He also discusses the idea of a personalised “health horoscope”, combining genetic information, lifestyle and biomedical parameters to identify an individual’s risk and guide preventive measures. The conversation also explores what healthy living really means. Dr Trehan stresses on moderation rather than deprivation, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress and keeping track of important health numbers. He recommends 40 minutes of brisk walking five times a week as a simple form of cardiovascular exercise, and explains why people who spend long hours sitting should take regular movement breaks.

Why are some apparently healthy young people collapsing suddenly? Dr Trehan explains that heart attacks are not the only concern. Undiagnosed rhythm disorders, abnormal heart muscles, valve disease and congenital heart conditions can also lead to serious events. He discusses warning signs including breathlessness, palpitations, unusual fatigue and recurring chest, jaw or back pain, and why symptoms should not simply be dismissed as acidity.

The episode also touches on energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, ageing, muscle loss and GLP-1 medicines, including what is known and what still requires longer-term evidence. It wraps up with a conversation on recognising risk early, making informed lifestyle choices, and taking heart health seriously at every age.

Chapters

00:01 – Why young Indians need to think about heart health

02:27 – The three major risk factors for heart disease

03:23 – Can your genes predict your heart risk?

05:15 – From treatment to prevention

07:08 – Stress, pollution and your heart

09:35 – How much does family history matter?

10:32 – What does a healthy diet really mean?

12:01 – How your health changes with age

13:44 – Why apparently healthy young people can collapse suddenly

18:00 – Why Indians face a higher heart-disease risk

20:07 – How technology is changing heart care

26:24 – The three things you must do for your heart

33:06 – Is one hour of exercise enough if you sit all day?

38:07 – Heart warning signs you should never ignore

42:24 – GLP-1 drugs and heart health