On August 16, 2025, Dr. Ashok Seth, Chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, published a detailed advisory on heart disease diagnosis and prevention, underlining India’s critical need for structured early screening. With cardiovascular disease continuing to be the nation’s leading killer, his message focused on both basic and advanced tests while highlighting the personal responsibility each individual must take in understanding their risk.

Dr. Seth explained that initial evaluations for heart disease must begin with simple but vital investigations. These include blood tests—particularly a lipid profile to measure cholesterol and a fasting sugar test—as well as regular blood pressure checks. He called the ECG an essential screening tool and emphasized the value of echocardiography, an ultrasound scan that can assess heart muscle function, check for valve abnormalities, and detect signs of prior heart attacks. Additionally, a treadmill test (TMT), where patients exercise while their heart’s behavior is monitored, helps uncover hidden blockages. He stressed that these tests should be performed in sequence rather than jumping prematurely to advanced technologies.

A key highlight of his advisory was risk-based screening. For individuals with a family history of early heart attack (before age 55), Dr. Seth recommended the first medical check-up by age 20. This early evaluation should include blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes screening, ECG, and echocardiogram. If normal, these tests should be repeated every five years. For those without direct family history but with risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or raised cholesterol, he advised earlier routine checks guided by general practitioners.

Even those with no family history or known risk factors are not exempt. According to Dr. Seth, all Indians should undergo a baseline screening by the age of 40, including an ECG, echo, and testing for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. He noted that in such cases, an exercise test may also be beneficial for those with emerging borderline risk.

While CT angiography and calcium scoring are widely discussed, Dr. Seth cautioned that these are specialized tests reserved for specific cases and should only be prescribed by cardiologists. These include high-risk individuals, athletes preparing for extreme endurance training, or people with a strong suspicion of silent heart disease. Advanced scans, he pointed out, are valuable but should never replace the basic, widely available screening methods.

India, Dr. Seth reminded, is considered the global “capital” of heart disease, and unchecked risk factors remain silent killers. He urged individuals to recognize their personal susceptibility and take preventive action. In his words: “If each one of us understands our risk factors, we are able to take our own actions to then prevent heart disease from happening to us.”

By combining simple, periodic tests with awareness of family history and lifestyle-related risks, Dr. Seth emphasized that most heart disease can be anticipated and prevented. His message makes clear that prevention begins not only in hospitals but in personal responsibility towards one’s health.