Cardiologist A. Purnanand says heart problems that once mostly affected the elderly are now increasingly being detected in the youth | Photo credit: Representative image
Praja Arogya Vedika organized a health seminar in Vijayawada on Sunday (February 22) where medical experts expressed concern over the rising incidence of heart diseases among the youth and stressed the need for preventive care.
Cardiologist A. Purnanand said that heart problems, which once mostly affected the elderly, are now increasingly occurring in the youth. He attributed the trend to lifestyle changes, unhealthy eating habits, increasing psychological stress and addictions such as alcohol and smoking. He noted that after the Covid 19 pandemic, the number of heart disease cases also increased significantly.
Dr. Purnanand pointed out that almost 80% of heart diseases can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. He recommended regular heart checks for those with high blood pressure and diabetes. According to him, a balanced diet, at least one hour of daily exercise, adequate sleep and maintaining healthy family and social relationships are essential to keeping heart disease at bay, adding that proper mental and physical relaxation is equally important.
He urged people to pay attention to warning signs and seek early medical intervention. The doctor later clarified the doubts raised by the participants.
The book written by Dr. Purnanand on heart health and ways to keep the heart fit was presented by Chadalavada Bhanu Prasad, founder of Save Young Heart Foundation and Kiran Teja Charitable Trust.
Mr. Bhanu Prasad said that the foundation conducts free heart screening camps for people aged 30 to 45 years to facilitate early detection and save lives. He said that a screening camp was organized in collaboration with Praja Arogya Vedika and similar initiatives would continue in future.
Praja Arogya Vedika State President MV Ramanayya, NTR District President G. Vijay Prakash and others were present. About 500 people attended the seminar.
Published – 22 Feb 2026 23:34 IST
