70% spike in heart risks over last 3 years among corporate employees aged 35-45: ekincare survey 

New Delhi: On World Heart Day 2025, ekincare, India’s leading AI-powered digital health platform, launched its report “The India Inc Heart Index: Risks & Action – An ekincare Report 2025” Drawing from health check-up data of over 30,000 employees across 20 corporates, the report uncovers alarming trends in cardiovascular risk factors across India Inc age groups and industries.

A heart attack is no longer a midlife phenomenon. Around the world, cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than cancer, accidents and infectious diseases combined. India, with one of the youngest and fastest-growing workforces, is now facing an unexpected twist: the country’s mid-career professionals are exhibiting risk factors once seen only in older adults.

The study highlights several key trends in employee heart health. Millennials, particularly those aged 35–45 years, are emerging as the most at-risk group, with risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and elevated BMI rising by nearly 70% over the past three years. Among older professionals aged 45–55 years, the prevalence of diagnosed heart conditions remains the highest, underscoring how untreated risks in earlier years progress into disease later in life.

Lifestyle and work culture are major drivers of this trend. Nearly 65% of employees report less than 30 minutes of daily physical activity, while high stress levels and digital overload have contributed to a 40% rise in heart disease cases in major metros over the last three years. Irregular meals and dependence on processed foods are also worsening cholesterol and triglyceride issues, already evident in 38% of employees in their 30s.

Preventive care has shown promising results, with company-sponsored annual health check-ups achieving participation rates of 50–55%, compared to much lower voluntary uptake. For businesses, wellness initiatives are proving to be a strong investment, with organizations that encourage screenings for hypertension and cholesterol reporting lower absenteeism, reduced medical claims, and improved employee retention.

“India Inc. is at an inflection point when it comes to employee health,” said Kiran Kalakuntla CEO & Co-founder, ekincare “We’re seeing heart-related risks emerge much earlier in careers than ever before, a reflection of the intense pace and lifestyle shifts shaping our workforce. This isn’t just a healthcare issue it’s a productivity and sustainability challenge for organisations. The way forward lies in making preventive care a cultural norm: combining regular screenings, nutrition and mental-wellbeing support with digital tools that make healthy choices easier. If companies take the lead now, they can build a workforce that is not only healthier but more resilient and engaged in the long run.”

The report also highlights how progressive organizations are expanding corporate wellness beyond hospitalization coverage. They now include cashless OPD benefits, cardiology consults, and nutrition counselling. Digital health nudges such as app reminders and step challenges are becoming common. These initiatives are linked to lower stress scores and improved productivity within 6–12 months.