Alarming Rise in Cardiac Emergencies in Gujarat on World Heart Day

Ahmedabad: On World Heart Day, observed annually on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular health, new data from EMRI 108 emergency services highlights a worrying rise in cardiac emergencies across Gujarat.

In 2018, EMRI attended 51,315 cardiac emergencies, averaging 141 cases daily. By September 25, 2025, this number surged to 62,044 cases, an average of 232 per day, reflecting a 65% increase over eight years.

The situation is particularly concerning in Ahmedabad city, where daily emergencies rose from 38 in 2018 to 65 in 2025, a 71% jump. The rise is even more significant among younger populations: patients under 40 years of age accounted for 28%-33% of cases over the past eight years, peaking at 33% in 2019 and currently around 30% in 2025.

Experts attribute this rise to a combination of lifestyle factors, stress, and increased awareness. A senior EMRI official notes that most cases now come from smaller towns, with patients seeking help relatively early after symptoms like chest pain or discomfort. The highest number of emergencies in a single year was recorded in 2024 with 72,586 cases.

Dr. Sameer Dani, interventional cardiologist, points out that cardiovascular diseases are occurring a decade earlier than before, largely due to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and stress. "Even seemingly healthy individuals are presenting with acute myocardial infarction," he warns.

Dr. Jayal Shah of UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology highlights that South Asians are more prone to heart conditions. "High prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and increased consumption of outside food contribute to premature aging of the heart in young patients," he says.

Recent Census of India data also underscores that cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality among non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in 2023.

This year’s World Heart Day theme, ‘Don't Miss a Beat,’ emphasizes the importance of early intervention, preventive measures, and lifestyle modifications to combat the growing cardiac crisis. Experts stress that building cardiac resilience from an early age is crucial to reducing the impact of future heart events.