TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, one of India’s leading general insurance providers, today released findings from a nationwide survey of nearly 300 cardiologists, revealing an alarming trend of younger Indians facing serious heart conditions, coupled with widespread ignorance of early warning signs and poor financial preparedness.
The survey highlights a dramatic transformation in cardiac care landscape over the past decade. The study highlights how heart disease is increasingly striking younger Indians, with 74% of doctors reporting that a majority of their patients are now under the age of 50. Currently, 36% of doctors see cardiac patients fall within the 31-40 age group, while 38% see heart patients aged 41-50. A stark contrast to a decade ago when 87% of cases affected individuals aged 41 and above.
Speaking about the survey findings, Rajagopal Rudraraju, Senior Executive Vice President & National Head - Consumer Claims said, “On World Heart Day, it is important to recognize that India’s cardiac challenge is both a medical and a financial one. The growing incidence among younger people means families are often caught unprepared, both emotionally and economically. At TATA AIG, we see this reality reflected in our claims data, where have evaluated last 5 years cardiology cost change and it is found to be 65%. The rising costs highlight how critical it is to plan for unexpected health events, not just through preventive care but also with robust insurance cover that ensures treatment is never delayed for want of financial resources.”
Surprisingly, a staggering 78% of doctors reported that patients blatantly ignore chest pain or discomfort, the most critical early warning sign of cardiac issues. Many also overlook breathlessness and dismiss unexplained fatigue, leading to delayed diagnosis. The survey identifies high stress coupled with unhealthy diet as the primary driver behind India’s rising heart disease incidence. What makes it worse is that significant portion of patients seeking medical attention only after substantial heart damage has occurred.
Doctors also highlighted that early warning signs are often missed or neglected. Nearly eight in ten said patients ignore chest pain, while many also downplay fatigue and breathlessness, dismissing them as stress or routine tiredness. Over 60% of doctors noted that patients typically reach hospitals only after substantial damage to the heart has already occurred, which makes treatment more complex and outcomes less favourable.
The findings expose significant challenges in healthcare access and financial preparedness. While 39% of doctors report that advanced medical treatments remain limited beyond major metropolitan areas, 59% indicate that fewer than 40% of their patients are financially equipped to handle advanced cardiac treatments. This gap between treatment needs and financial capacity underscores the importance of comprehensive health insurance coverage.
The survey also reveals important gender-related insights, with 34% of doctors acknowledging that women face equal cardiac risks as men, 16% note that women's cardiac symptoms are frequently overlooked, leading to potential underdiagnosis.