India is grappling with a silent but deadly epidemic of cardiovascular disease (CVD). As heart disease continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre is stepping forward with an interesting campaign – ‘Unmute Your Heart’ for World Heart Day 2024. The hospital has unveiled a unique, first-of-its-kind campaign at various ‘Love Mumbai’ signs across the city, symbolizing the campaign theme “Unmute Your Heart.” The striking display serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to understand how lifestyle and daily habits impact heart health.
This campaign aims to represent a call to action encouraging individuals to understand the importance of listening to and caring for their hearts. By “Unmuting” the heart, P. D. Hinduja Hospital hopes to inspire the public to prioritize heart health and adopt preventive measures.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of death, with India facing a severe crisis. CVDs claim over 20% of men's and 17% of women's lives annually in India. Indians develop heart disease a decade earlier than Western populations, straining the healthcare system. They are 2-4 times more likely to be hospitalized for coronary artery disease (CAD) complications, with rates 5-10 times higher for those under 40 CAD prevalence in India is 21.4% for diabetics and 11% for non-diabetics. This early onset and high prevalence, especially among younger populations and those with comorbidities, highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and preventive measures in India.
Emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to tackling the CVD epidemic, Mr. Gautam Khanna, CEO, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim said, “As a leading healthcare institution, we recognize the immense responsibility we have in fighting this escalating health crisis. Our World Heart Day campaign aims to ignite a conversation on heart health and the choices we make every day. Through this initiative, we want to remind people that heart disease is preventable, and early action can save countless lives. We're not just treating heart disease; we're actively working to prevent it through education and community outreach. Our goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their heart health, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond our hospital walls and into the broader community.”
The campaign “Unmute Your Heart” and this campaign is a part of P. D. Hinduja Hospital’s ongoing mission to educate the public on heart health and motivate them to take proactive steps toward better cardiovascular care. Through this campaign, the hospital hopes to drive home the message that every individual has the power to make heart-healthy choices that can ultimately save lives.
Dr. Chandrashekhar Ponde, Section Head – Invasive & Non-Invasive, Consultant Cardiologist, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim said, “The modern Indian lifestyle—sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, and rising stress levels—has exacerbated the prevalence of CVDs. The message we want to send with this campaign is that people can take control of their heart health by making small but significant changes in their daily lives. It’s about listening to your heart and acting before it’s too late.”
The iconic “I Love Mumbai” signs at various locations across the city will feature a distinctive QR code. When scanned, this code will direct users to an interactive microsite – http://www.unmuteyourheart.in, dedicated to information on cardiovascular wellness. The platform will offer a wealth of heart health-related educational content, including risk factors, prevention strategies, and lifestyle tips tailored to Mumbai's urban population. Additionally, the site will provide an appointment booking system, allowing visitors to schedule consultations. This innovative approach aims to raise awareness about heart health and improve access to cardiac care, leveraging the city's popular landmarks to promote public health. As part of its launch, the first 100 registrants will be rewarded with free heart health checks to emphasize the importance of proactive care. The hospital will be conducting various activities to enhance the reach of the campaign.