Most people think heart attacks only happen to those who eat poorly or rarely move, but that idea does not hold up anymore. Even in India and elsewhere, plenty of active, health-conscious individuals are ending up with serious heart issues. This isn’t a rare exception. It is happening more often than most realise.
Being physically fit is beneficial as it keeps the heart in better shape, helps regulate blood pressure, and often improves cholesterol levels. Staying fit is vital, but it doesn’t eliminate all risks. Some issues remain hidden, and even those who follow every health rule can still be vulnerable.
We spoke to Dr Onkar Swami, Senior Vice President - Medical Services, Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Mumbai, who explained why even heart attacks affect even fit people.
“Even when your lifestyle looks perfect, your DNA might tell a different story. In India, there is a well-documented trend of earlier artery-related issues in otherwise healthy individuals. Conditions like diabetes and cholesterol imbalance are also more common here, and they contribute to heart-related issues in a big way,” said Dr Swami.
The Role of Mental Health in Heart Disease
Mental health is another area that often goes unnoticed. Constant stress or long phases of anxiety change how the body works. Over time, stress hormones can affect blood vessels, interrupt sleep, and encourage habits, such as poor eating or smoking. These effects build up. Even if someone exercises regularly, if mental health is not managed, the heart may still suffer.
Also Read: What Is A Silent Heart Attack? Expert Shares Signs You Should Not Ignore
The Danger of Silent Heart Attacks
Another issue that deserves attention is the silent heart attack. These events often occur without warning signs and rarely cause pain. They are especially worrying because they go unnoticed until something much worse happens. According to an old study, 20–30% of all heart attacks are silent, happening without pain or warning.
Some of these cases occur in young people who otherwise seem healthy. In certain instances, people push themselves through intense training programs without ever checking if their heart is prepared for that level of effort. That can be dangerous. It is essential to understand that just being active is not always enough.
Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Appear
There is also a cultural assumption that health checks are only necessary when symptoms appear. This is a risky belief. Many people delay or skip screenings because they feel fine. But heart disease does not always give early clues. It can progress quietly. “Routine checkups are not about fear but about information. Screening should be considered as part of a normal health routine, especially for people with a family history of heart disease,” advised Dr Swami.
Also Read: Unexpected Ways Your Body Signals A Heart Problem
Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference
Making a few simple changes helps. Avoiding packaged and fried foods, staying away from tobacco, finding time for rest, and not sitting for too long during the day, all contribute to better heart health. In India, even brisk walking (~35 minutes/day) was associated with a 55% reduction in myocardial infarction risk in urban adults, as per a 2004 study. Similarly, according to a 2024 study, among older adults (60+) in India, engaging in adequate physical activity reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by 28%. These changes are not complicated, but they require consistency to be effective. When combined with medical advice and occasional tests, they can help prevent something far more serious.
Bottomline
Dr Swami concluded, “Heart disease is a concern, not just for people who ignore their health but also for healthy ones, as it is increasingly affecting people who are careful, aware, and disciplined. In India, where genetic and lifestyle risks come together more often than we realise, prevention needs to be broader. A healthy body is crucial, but it must be supported by regular checkups, good mental health, and an understanding of personal risk. That is how long-term heart health is truly protected.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]