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.
Key insights include:
Millennials most at risk: Employees aged 35–45 years are showing a sharp
increase nearly 70% over three years in risk factors like hypertension, high
cholesterol, and elevated BMI.
Established risks in older professionals: The 45–55 years group continues to
record the highest prevalence of diagnosed heart conditions, showing how untreated
risks in younger years translate into disease later.
Lifestyle and work culture as drivers:
65% of employees log less than 30 minutes of daily physical activity.
High stress levels and digital overload are linked to a 40% increase in heart
disease cases among professionals in major metros over the past 3 years.
Irregular meals and processed foods are exacerbating cholesterol and
triglyceride issues, already seen in 38% of employees in their 30s.
Preventive care improves participation: When companies sponsor annual check-
ups, participation rates rise to 50–55%, compared to far lower voluntary uptake.
Business case for wellness: Companies that actively promote screenings for
hypertension and cholesterol report lower absenteeism, reduced medical claim
ratios, 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.
