Save the Young Heart: A Nation’s Call to Prevent Heart Attack in Young Adults
Introduction
The “Save the Young Heart” conference, organised by the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR), was held on 18 and 19 July 2025. The conference brought together the top minds from the healthcare, technology, innovation, lifestyle verticals and corporates promoting workplace well-being, to address the growing crisis of heart disease among young adults in India. There was a strong sense of unity and urgency that marked the start of what many described as a vital movement for the nation.
Renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Balakrishnan, Chief Mentor at Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam Group of Institutions Sri B N Narasimha Murthy, President of the IAPSM Karnataka State Chapter Dr Annarao Kulkarni, Director of Liaison and Strategic Growth Dr A R Raghupathi, Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery and Founder of the Save the Young Geart Campaign Dr Anand Agarwal, and Founder CEO, SMSIMSR Sri Madhusudan Sai presided the inaugural session of the conference.
Dr Anand Agarwal: A Surgeon’s Wake-Up Call
Dr Agarwal began with a moving speech about how his training in the UK collided with the grim reality of young patients with severe heart diseases in India. One instance that stayed with him was a mother whose three children all needed heart surgery. He mentioned, “The younger the patient, the more severe the disease”.
He emphasised, “Saving young lives is mostly about prevention,” reiterating the spirit of the conference. Quoting Bhagwan’s wisdom—“Start early, drive slowly, reach safely”—he urged that the movement go national.
Dr Annarao Kulkarni: Lifestyle over Medication
Dr Kulkarni, in his opening statement, said that the conference is “absolute essential”. He shared his personal story of overcoming hypertension through a lifestyle change.
Criticising modern medicine, he noted, “They are treating the manifestations of the underlying causes.” He quoted Dr Robert Lustig: “These conditions are not druggable, but these conditions are foodable.” With a striking metaphor, he added, “If you have to tear a packet and eat, think that you are tearing your heart.”
Dr Balakrishnan: The Data Speaks
Dr Balakrishnan cited that according to the research from the Korean War, heart diseases can begin as early as age 15. A study by Madras Medical College shows that 23% of young accident victims had signs of atherosclerosis. He also stated that South Asians have nine times more coronary artery disease than Western populations.
He explained that the cause of heart attacks often stems from “non-obstructive plaques”, which may not show up on standard tests. He also recognised practical obstacles when promoting healthy lifestyle choices: “If you’re working 16 hours, 12 hours in the middle of a city, there’s very little space to walk.” His key message was to make early lifestyle changes to have better health and life.
Sri Madhusudan Sai: A Call for Collective Action
Sri Madhusudan Sai referred to this endeavour as “an idea whose time has come.” He emphasised the importance by citing the recent, unexpected details of young people in Karnataka. “Everything has to be in moderation”, he advised, stressing that effort, not just prayer, is necessary for health.
He also discussed the Indian phenomenon of “skinny fat”, where individuals appear slim but carry unhealthy visceral fat. He presented a plan to address this that included wearable technology, community clinics, and a reasonably priced heart-lung machine, made in India. He concluded by citing Dr Manjunath’s “Six S’s” to avoid: Salt, Sugar, Spirit, Smoking, Stress and Sedentary lifestyle. He declared, “This time is India’s time.”
Conclusion
The “Save the Young Heart” conference began not just as a medical event but as a united, emotional, data-driven call to action. With powerful voices from science and spirituality, the message was clear: Saving Young Hearts is Saving India’s Future. Guided by wisdom, evidence, and purpose, this movement is poised to make a lasting national impact.