What do 28-year-old software engineer Manoj Rao and 33-year-old banker Kiran share? Both felt sudden chest tightness at work, dismissed it, until a breathless collapse led to emergency care. Both turned out to be heart attacks.

This alarming trend isn’t isolated. A review of GHMC-run hospitals in Hyderabad found a 19% rise in heart-related emergencies among adults below 40 in the last two years. In Telangana’s urban pockets, cardiologists say they now routinely treat young professionals with early-onset heart disease.

Public health specialist Dr Raghav Sharma notes, “This shift began around 2020. Now, one in every five cardiac patients in urban Telangana is under 35.” Contributing factors: high-pressure work culture, junk-heavy diets, poor sleep, and smoking.

Cardiologist Dr Priya Putla explains, “South Asians are already at higher risk genetically. But the stress, screen addiction, late-night food, and no exercise are pushing these young hearts over the edge.” She adds that men under 40 in Hyderabad are especially vulnerable due to lifestyle and lack of preventive care.

Dr Lakshmi Biyam, a cardiologist from Banjara Hills, said, “It’s not just cholesterol or obesity. We’re seeing patients who are lean but inflamed, with high homocysteine and stress markers. The triggers are metabolic and emotional, both.”

To address this, some IT parks in Gachibowli and Kondapur are now offering annual lipid screenings and diet counselling. Meanwhile, the state health department has initiated ‘Heartwise Telangana’, a digital awareness programme targeting 25–40 age group with preventive checklists.

Manoj’s turning point came with diagnosis. He’s since joined a cardiac rehab group, swapped late-night biryanis for leafy salads, and logs daily breathing sessions. “I thought I was too young.I now act as though my life relies on it.”
Protect your heart before it’s too late:
• Get regular lipid profiles and ECGs
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day
• Reduce processed foods and salt
• Prioritise sleep and stress reduction

In Hyderabad, heart attacks no longer wait for old age. Prevention can’t either.