Cardiology focuses on the heart and blood vessels. This medical field holds critical importance in India today. Heart disease continues to rank among the top causes of death across the nation. Research published in The Lancet reveals a troubling trend. Indians often develop heart conditions nearly ten years earlier than populations in many Western countries.
Everyday Strains on the Indian Heart
Multiple factors quietly contribute to this health crisis. Long working hours place constant pressure on individuals. Rising rates of diabetes add to the cardiovascular burden. Smoking habits and consistently poor sleep patterns weaken heart resilience. Many people also delay routine medical check-ups, allowing minor issues to escalate.
Access to timely heart care presents another major challenge. India's overall doctor-to-patient ratio currently stands at approximately 1:834. This statistic masks significant regional disparities in healthcare availability. Consequently, numerous heart conditions only reach hospital attention at advanced stages. Irreversible damage frequently begins before patients seek professional help.
TOI Medithon's Mission: Closing the Knowledge Divide
In this context, the TOI Medithon initiative returns with a specialized event. Cardio Medithon 2 is scheduled for January 19. The program aims to bridge the substantial knowledge gap in public heart health awareness. It brings credible expert voices together on a single platform. The goal is making conversations about cardiac wellness more accessible to everyone.
TOI Medithon was originally created to narrow the distance between medical professionals and the general public. The initiative emphasizes awareness building, promoting early diagnosis, and supporting informed health decisions. It also acknowledges systemic pressures like physician burnout within India's healthcare framework. Patient needs remain central to all discussions.
Cardio Medithon 2: A Day of Focused Dialogue
Cardio Medithon 2 continues this vital mission through structured panel discussions. Experts will cover four crucial themes: heart disease prevention, recovery after cardiac events, women's specific heart health, and evolving risks among younger generations. The objective is delivering clear, trustworthy information from leading cardiologists. This knowledge should resonate with attendees long after the event concludes.
Session 1: Preventing Heart Disease (11 AM - 12 PM)
The day begins with a session titled "Amazing Heart, Amazing Life." This discussion will scrutinize everyday risks that gradually compromise cardiac health. Panelists will explain how to address these risks proactively. The panel features three distinguished cardiologists:
- Dr. Biswa Ranjan Jena, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Diabetologist from Bhubaneswar.
- Dr. Gautam Swaroop, Director and Head of Cardiac Sciences at Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow.
- Dr. Rizwan Ul Haque, Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman at Apex Superspeciality Hospital, Solapur.
They will highlight practical prevention strategies, early warning signs, and the powerful role of lifestyle choices.
Session 2: Women and Heart Health (12 PM - 1 PM)
The focus then shifts to a critical topic: "Beyond the Obvious: What Every Woman Should Know." Heart disease manifests differently in women, with symptoms often overlooked or misinterpreted. This panel aims to illuminate silent risks, hormonal influences, and the necessity of timely diagnosis. Expert speakers include:
- Dr. S. Aravinda Kumar, Chief Consultant and Interventional Cardiologist at Kauvery Hospital, Tiruchirappalli.
- Dr. Arnab Ghosh Chaudhary, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Director at Dyuti Cardio & Gastro Solutions, Durgapur.
- Dr. Rajiv Gupta, Chairman of Preventive Cardiology at Eternal Hospital, Jaipur.
Session 3: Life After a Heart Attack (1 PM - 2 PM)
Recovery after a heart attack involves immense fear and confusion. Survival marks just the initial step; rebuilding physical strength and mental confidence is equally vital. This session will address rehabilitation, medication adherence, mental health support, and setting realistic expectations. The panel comprises:
- Dr. Ravindran R, Associate Professor of Cardiology at Madras Medical College and Rays Clinic, Anna Nagar.
- Dr. Praveen P Sadarmin, Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Director at Trustwell Hospitals, Bengaluru.
- Dr. Soumya Kanti Dutta, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist from Kolkata.
Session 4: Gen Z and Generation Alpha (2 PM - 3 PM)
The final session examines heart health among younger generations. Cardiac issues no longer exclusively affect older adults. Early lifestyle habits now directly shape future cardiovascular outcomes. Discussion will connect modern lifestyles, excessive screen time, stress, and metabolic health to long-term cardiac risk. Participating experts are:
- Dr. Tiny Nair, Head of Cardiology at PRS Hospital, Trivandrum.
- Dr. K A Sambasivam, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman at G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital, Coimbatore.
- Dr. Karumuri Srinivasa Reddy, Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman at Karumuri Hospital, Guntur.
More Than a Medical Event
Cardio Medithon 2 represents more than a standard medical conference. It serves as a powerful reminder that heart health depends on continuous awareness, prompt action, and open dialogue. By uniting experienced cardiologists from across India, TOI Medithon strives to make heart care less intimidating and more relatable. January 19 becomes a day dedicated to listening to our hearts attentively, before illness forces them to send distress signals.
