Author: Neel Achary

1 in 2 Healthy Indians Show Early Heart Disease – Apollo Hospitals Urges Nation to Rethink ‘Normal’ This World Hypertension Day

India, May 19, 2025: On the occasion of World Hypertension Day, Apollo Hospitals is drawing attention to the rising prevalence of hypertension in India. With nearly 30% of India’s adult population living with high blood pressure, hypertension has become one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death. Despite its significant impact on public health, a large number of hypertensive people remain undiagnosed, underlining the urgency for a national shift in healthcare priorities.

The Growing Burden of Hypertension in India Recent studies indicate that hypertension is affecting approximately 300 million people. Notably, nearly half of those with high blood pressure remain unaware of their condition. The prevalence is notably high among younger populations, with 26% of those aged under 45 diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2024.

Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals said, “India has overcome many public health crises, and each success was driven by awareness and collective effort. At Apollo Hospitals, we believe prevention is the first prescription. Through initiatives like Apollo ProHealth, we are transforming over 25 million screenings into powerful action—enhancing digital hypertension monitoring, strengthening policy advocacy, and making routine screenings a national priority. We want to see healthier, longer lives for every Indian.”

There is escalating pressure on India’s healthcare system, particularly in major cities, with Hyderabad (68%), Delhi (65%), and Chennai (63%) reporting highest prevalence. This reflects poorly on ‘Urban lifestyles’, characterized by chronic stress and sedentary routines accelerating cardiac risk.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, said, “Hypertension is no longer a condition confined to age or genetics—it is increasingly becoming a silent epidemic among young urban populations. The real challenge lies not just in measuring blood pressure, but in understanding the broader cardiovascular risk profile of an individual. We must move beyond isolated metrics and embrace a more holistic understanding of biomarkers, as even mild imbalances can be early indicators of more serious underlying conditions. Moreover, with rapid urbanisation, we are witnessing a sharp rise in sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and unrelenting stress, all of which are fuelling this public health crisis. Prevention and early intervention are not just options, they are imperatives. Alarmingly, nearly 30% of India’s urban population under the age of 40 is already affected by hypertension or pre-hypertension. This calls for immediate and collective action across healthcare, policy, and community awareness to protect the health of our fellow citizens.”

The Path to Prevention: Personalized and Tech-enabled Evidence shows that 80% of heart attacks and strokes caused by hypertension could be prevented through simple lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and stress management. While the medical management of hypertension is crucial, Apollo Hospitals is advocating for a shift towards preventive healthcare. The key to reversing the growing burden of hypertension lies in empowering individuals to take control of their health through regular screenings, healthier lifestyle choices, and managing risk factors before they evolve into serious complications.

Apollo Hospitals is advocating for integrating technology into the country’s healthcare systems to enhance the detection and management of hypertension. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and telemedicine are transforming how healthcare is delivered, allowing for more accurate risk assessments, early detection, and continuous management of hypertension.

A National Call to Action: A Collective Responsibility
Apollo is calling for a national rethink of cardiovascular prevention, urging Indians to start screenings early, particularly after the age of 30 or for those with a family history of heart disease. Incorporating advanced imaging techniques like Coronary Calcium Scoring can help reveal hidden risks, while adopting preventive treatment strategies for those showing early markers, even if asymptomatic, can significantly reduce future complications. Studies indicate a 45–50% reduction in cardiovascular events when individuals with early atherosclerosis receive guideline-based interventions.

CANCON 2025 at Cytecare Highlights Vital Role of Oncoanesthesia in Cancer Care

Bengaluru, 19th May 2025: The latest edition of CANCON 2025, the event hosted at Cytecare Hospitals, turned the spotlight on Oncoanesthesia, a vital Anaesthesia subspecialty in the field of cancer Care. Organized by the Department of Anesthesia at Cytecare Hospitals, Axon Anesthesia Associates, in association with the Society of Oncoanesthesia Perioperative Care (SOAPC) – Bangalore Chapter, the event brought together anesthetists, oncology surgeons, medical trainees, and healthcare professionals from across the region.

Held on 18th May, the event drew participation from young anesthetists and seasoned experts alike, highlighting the growing need for specialized anesthetic care in complex cancer surgeries such as Head & Neck, Major Abdominal and thoracic procedures.

Themed as a focused CME on Oncoanesthesia, this full-day event provided practical insights and case-based learnings on topics ranging from blood conservation techniques in cancer surgeries and pediatric onco-anesthesia to high-risk procedures like Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC and Oesophagectomy.

“Cancer patients often present with multifaceted challenges—advanced age, pre-existing medical conditions and complex surgical needs apart from cancer related issues. Oncoanesthesia is not just a technical sub-discipline; it is a holistic framework for managing the whole patient with unique physiological stress and the taking care of the pain enduring during the surgery and after. also taking care of these patients postoperatively in ICU” said Suresh Ramu, Co-founder and CEO, Cytecare Hospitals. “We are proud to foster discussions that elevate the standard of care through such specialized CME programs.”

Speaking at the event, Dr. Dinesh Raju, HOD of Anaesthesia, Pain and Critical care, Cytecare Hospital, Axon Axon Anaesthesia associates and Chairman of the SOAPC ,Bangalore Chapter and also Organising Chairperson, added, “Our mission is to raise awareness and equip the next generation of anesthetists to approach oncology cases with both precision and compassion. Through CANCON 2025, we’re enabling skill-building and peer-learning at the grassroots of anesthetic care.”

The event itinerary featured sessions from respected faculty across institutions such as Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore Baptist Hospital, Shri Shankara Institute , Zymus Hospital and HCG Hospital, among others.

Key highlights included:

• Jehovah’s Witness & blood conservation: Techniques to manage surgical cases where blood transfusion may not be an option
• Anaesthesia for pediatric onco-surgical cases: Special considerations in children undergoing cancer treatment
• Advanced Haemodynamic Monitoring, Thrive & TIVA: Best practices in intraoperative haemodynamic monitoring and use of THRIVE and Total Intravenous Anesthesia in onco settings
• Anaestheesia for Complex Surgeries : Oeesophageectomies, Pheochromocytoma and Cytoreductive surgery with Hipec

Each talk was backed by clinical case studies and audience interaction, creating a deeply engaging environment for knowledge exchange.

Hypertension on the Rise in Karnataka: Nutrition Experts Call for Urgent Lifestyle Changes

Bangalore, May 17, 2025: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remain a leading cause of death across India, and Karnataka is no exception. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21) reveals that the southern states have a higher prevalence of hypertension than the national average. In Karnataka, the overall prevalence of hypertension has reached 27.2%, with 28.6% among men and 26% among women. This growing trend is fuelled by multiple factors including sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, rising obesity, and high alcohol consumption.

Hypertension, often termed the “silent killer,” is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.

The good news? You can take powerful steps at home – alongside your doctor’s guidance – to lower your blood pressure. Plant-based diets, centred on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, can significantly lower blood pressure levels.

Emphasizing the critical role of diet and nutrition, Dr. Zeeshan Ali, a nutrition expert with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), says, “Hypertension doesn’t have to be a permanent part of life. In many cases, it can be prevented—and even reversed—through simple, consistent lifestyle changes. Among the most effective strategies is adopting a plant-based diet.. Research consistently shows that lifestyle modifications, especially plant-based diets, can significantly lower blood pressure. When patients adopt a plant-rich diet—emphasizing local, affordable ingredients like lentils, beans, amaranth greens, drumstick leaves (moringa), ridge gourd, and fenugreek—they often experience not only a drop in blood pressure but also significant improvements in energy, sleep, and long-term health. Reducing salt and oil while using flavourful spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and curry leaves keeps meals heart-friendly without sacrificing taste.”

At the global level, hypertension affects 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women. In India, the situation is particularly alarming, with studies indicating that over 90% of adults with hypertension remain undiagnosed, untreated, or inadequately treated.

Dr. Ali highlights that Karnataka staples such as soppu saaru (greens curry), kosambari (lentil salad), and vegetable saaru can be further enhanced with potassium-rich greens and pulses to support heart health. He also advises cutting down on processed snacks, fried foods, red meats, and high-sodium pickles, while using traditional herbs and spices to maintain flavour and nutrition. Anyone making dietary changes—especially those on medication—should consult their doctor to ensure safe adjustments.

In addition to diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and routine blood pressure monitoring are essential pillars of an effective hypertension management plan.

As Karnataka faces rising rates of hypertension, it’s crucial to raise awareness about prevention and management. Focusing on early detection, healthy living, and the transformative power of food as medicine can empower individuals to safeguard their health and help reduce the burden of this life-threatening condition.

Vijay Deverakonda Gets Candid on Career Highs, Heartfelt Regrets & Offers Winning Advice for Aspiring Artistes in Filmfare’s May Issue

Vijay Deverakonda returns to the spotlight with Filmfare’s May cover issue, radiating the same grounded energy and quiet magnetism that made him a standout from the very beginning. From being hailed as the next big thing to leading the pan-India wave with Kingdom, his journey has been nothing short of compelling. Even before Arjun Reddy hit the screens, Vijay had already caught our attention with his sincerity, sharp wit, and effortless charm.

With Arjun Reddy solidifying his stature as a powerhouse performer, Vijay has steadily carved out a space among the most captivating actors in Indian cinema. Be it intense emotional dramas, commercial entertainers, or nuanced roles, he continues to push creative boundaries. Today, he stands tall as a pan-India star, bringing the same professionalism, humility, and determination to every set he walks into. In this exclusive cover story, Vijay opens up about his evolving journey, the power of reinvention, and what continues to drive him forward.

Talking about his special appearance in Kalki 2898 AD, Vijay Deverakonda shares his feelings of loyalty, “Nag Ashwin gave me my first break, and I’ll always do whatever he asks me to. He believes I’m his lucky charm—I have all the more reason to turn up just for a day if need be.”

Speaking of his upcoming film Kingdom, he paints a vivid picture of its emotional depth, “A thick-layered action drama. It’s an action film like the old days, where the emotions behind every moment matter, not just chasing the spectacle.”

When asked about a personal win in a film that may not have performed well at the box office, he reflects on Liger, “I learnt a lot from that film. From prepping, filming, promoting, to dealing with the aftermath of its release. What I started during Liger—in terms of training, physical discipline, and lifestyle changes—has now become an integral part of how I live my life today.”

Adding to it, “ Growing up, I was a huge fan and admirer of director Puri Jagannadh, his film Pokiri with Mahesh Babu sir is one of my favourites, and it was a dream of mine to make a film with him. I was extremely sad that we didn’t make a better film.”

When asked about his repeated collaborations with Rashmika Mandanna, he responds with warmth and a smile, “I haven’t done enough movies with Rashmika. I should do more. She’s a great actress and a beautiful woman—so chemistry shouldn’t be a problem.”

On whether true friendships can truly exist between co-actors, Vijay answers thoughtfully, “You can, if you find others who share the philosophy of ‘live and let live.’ There’s enough love to go around, enough stories to tell. There are a few good men… but I cannot take names without causing undue chaos—so there shall be no names taken.”

If he could offer advice to his younger self, Vijay would keep it simple but impactful, “I’d tell him to chill, laugh more, stress less. Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing well because in the future, you are going to be a phenomenon. He’s going to be everything you dream of being—and more.”

Additionally, offering a winning message for the aspirational artistes, he says, “You can never be fully prepared—no matter how much you plan. It’s going to be a journey, and you’ll find your footing as you go. But remember this: you shine because you’re you. Each of us is different on a DNA level, and that difference is what makes you interesting. If we were all the same, we’d just be robots. There’s a lot more I want to say… but I’ll save that for another time, on another stage.”

Water-Wise Construction: How AKP.HYMX Is Saving Water in Manufacturing

By- Amlan Parida, AKP.HYMX Concrete Pvt. Ltd.

Concrete production is frequently water-intensive, with batching plants using several thousand liters per day for aggregate soaking, mixing and equipment washing. As the construction industry faces increased pressure to reduce its environmental effects, cutting-edge water management practices are important. AKP.HYMX has responded by incorporating cutting-edge water recycling technologies and promoting effective curing techniques, maintaining both productivity and sustainability.

Recycling of Water in Batching Plants
Management of water in Closed-Loop
AKP.HYMX’s batching plant uses a continuous water recycling system, which captures and processes water from a variety of sources, including equipment washing and aggregates wetting. This method allows for the reuse of up to 90-95% of water, significantly reducing relying on external water supplies and promoting sustainability.

Automatic Filtration and Recovery of Aggregates
The company uses automated filtration plants to remove solids from process water without using any chemical. These systems minimise material and water waste by separating aggregate like stone and sand for immediate reuse. Consistent water quality and efficiency in operation are assured by fully automated controls.

Reduction of Cost and Waste
By recycling processed water, AKP.HYMX reduces the cost of disposal for concrete waste and the amount of waste sent to municipal sewage systems.

Water Saving Curing Techniques
Automated Curing System
AKP. HYMX supports automated curing techniques that provide water precisely and only when needed. In order to provide uniform curing and avoid overuse waste, these systems make use of storage tanks, pumps, and adjustable pipes.

Using Admixture that Reduce Water
The company customises concrete mixes with water-reducing admixtures, which reduce the amount of water needed for mixing and curing. This practice preserves concrete strength and workability while also promoting water conservation.

Alternative Techniques for Curing
AKP.HYMX promotes the use of curing components and membrane forming agents as an alternative to conventional water curing. These alternatives help to retain moisture within the concrete, decreasing the need for frequent water usage and further protecting resources.

Comprehensive Sustainability Work
Environmental Commitment
AKP.HYMX’s water-saving efforts are a component of a larger commitment to sustainable development. The company is constantly investing in research and innovation to improve water efficiency throughout all operations, placing itself as a responsible leader in the construction sector.

Constant Improvement
AKP.HYMX frequently reviews and updates its water management tactics, taking into account new technologies and feedback from plant managers and site teams. Water conservation is kept at the centre of its manufacturing philosophy through this culture of continuous improvement.

By combining cutting-edge recycling technologies with water efficient curing techniques, AKP.HYMX shows that significant water savings are possible in the production of concrete. By focussing on sustainability, the company not only reduces its environmental impact, but also sets a standard for others in the industry.

 As water scarcity issues get worse, such preventative actions will be essential to the future of construction.