Heart health is a shared responsibility, says Novartis India head

A recent Beat Bad Cholesterol event by The Times of India group, in collaboration with Novartis, emphasized the need for the right kind of awareness, education and timely intervention in India where cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability in India. Calling it an ‘epidemic’ a 2023 study published in the medical journal The Lancet* says Indians have a higher relative risk burden of CVDs; an earlier age of onset; higher case fatality; and higher premature deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that over 25% of deaths in India can be attributed to CVDs, and that they occur in an age group which is at least 10 years younger than that in the West.
So, what is one to do in this situation? Recently, global pharma major Novartis and The Times of India hosted an event, titled Beat Bad Cholesterol, to spread the word about heart health and the dangers of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Commonly known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol, LDL-C is a driver of CVDs, but it is also a modifiable risk. With the right kind of care and treatment, its risk as a primary cause of CVDs can be managed and even reduced.
Novartis has a strong legacy of reimagining medicine for over 250 years and has partnered India’s healthcare journey since 1947. For over 30 years it has been instrumental in transforming the standards of care for cardiovascular diseases, which is the world's primary cause of death, claiming nearly 18 million lives each year. Sadly, India accounts for one-fifth of these deaths caused by CVDs, worldwide. Elevated LDL-C is the main cause of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), and is one of the neglected but important risk factors for CVDs.
LDL-C is a critical cardiovascular disease marker to estimate the risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), and several studies have shown that a reduction in LDL-C levels prevents cardiovascular outcomes. In a large, case-control INTERHEART study, it was found that among all the modifiable risk factors, abnormal lipid levels were identified to be associated with the highest population attributable risk (PAR 49.2%) for the occurrence of myocardial infarction. The most important risk factor identified across all geographic regions was LDL-C.
In her inaugural address Ms Judith Love, President – APMA Region at Novartis, said: “High LDL-C is a silent threat, often overlooked until it’s too late. We believe that with the right awareness, regular screening, timely diagnosis and early treatment, we can change this trajectory. Initiatives like Beat Bad Cholesterol do more than raise awareness; they reinforce a collective commitment. It’s encouraging to see a shared purpose across India’s healthcare ecosystem, where every stakeholder has a vital role to play in advancing heart health.”
This was reiterated by Mr Rajeev D. Nivatkar, Commissioner of Medical Education and AYUSH. “One of the most underestimated risk factors for heart attacks is bad cholesterol or LDL-C,” he said. “It has no visible symptoms, yet it can quietly damage the heart and arteries over time. Many people are unaware of their numbers, and that has to change. We must encourage citizens to know their LDL-C numbers and consult their doctors proactively.”
Most stakeholders emphasised the need for regular lipid profile testing, since elevated levels of LDL-C (even when at dangerous levels) don’t present any symptoms. In other words, one may not know about an increase in LDL-C levels until it’s too late.
The audience was also addressed by Mr Amitabh Dube, Country President and MD, Novartis India; Senior Cardiologist from Apollo Hospitals, Dr Nikhil Parchure; Mr Ram Khandelwal, Founder of Heart Health India Foundation, a patient advocacy group; and Mr Surinder Chawla, President & Head – Response, BCCL. Over 150 members of the audience -- including healthcare professionals, government officials and media leaders – also participated in a workout session conducted by celebrity fitness expert Aanchal Hans.
According to Mr Amitabh Dube, “Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a leading cause of mortality in India, and yet awareness of critical and modifiable risk factors like LDL-C remains low. Through Beat Bad Cholesterol, we aim to raise awareness and encourage people to ‘know their LDL-C numbers’ and work with their doctors to proactively manage their heart health. Novartis remains committed to advancing science and improving access to innovative therapies to help patients live longer, healthier lives.”
“Reactions to LDL-C among patients is mixed,” says Mr Ram Khandelwal. “Most know that they should not have high cholesterol, but only a few fully understand the dangers and the impact on one’s heart. The urgency to act promptly to reduce high LDL-C is still missing. However, thanks to initiatives like Beat Bad Cholesterol, awareness is growing. People are getting sensitized and asking their doctors about target goals for LDL-C. In my understanding while engaging with heart patients, only five to 10% of them speak to their doctors about their target LDL-C.”
Three key messages emerged from the event. First, that LDL-C is a modifiable, critical yet neglected cardiovascular risk factor. Second, most people only give importance to diabetes and hypertension, and neglect cholesterol management – even though 85% of all heart-related deaths are attributed to elevated LDL-C levels. Therefore, each one of us must talk to our doctor about our individual target LDL-C goals. Third, experts emphasise that heart treatment is not a one-size-fits-all option.
As Ms Judith Love concluded: “Each of us has a personal responsibility — not just to support these efforts, but to role-model healthy choices that protect our own hearts. India’s scale, talent, and passion give us a powerful platform to drive lasting impact, and Novartis is proud to be part of this journey.”
*https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lansea/article/PIIS2772-3682(23)00016-1/fulltext