Chandigarh, Sept. 29 -- On this World Heart Day, the faculty of the Advanced Cardiac Centre (ACC) at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) urges every diabetic and hypertensive patient and even those who feel entirely well, to undergo a cardiovascular evaluation. World Heart Day, observed every year on September 29, is a global initiative to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, heart failure and otherdisorders of the heart and blood vessels), which remains the world's leading cause of death. The 2026 theme, "Don't Miss a Beat", highlights recognising the warning signs of heart disease and responding without delay, emphasising prevention and early intervention. In a press conference held at ACC on Monday, Dr Paul Sharma, head of the cardiology department and ACC, said, "Diabetes and hypertension remain the two most powerful and silent accelerators ofheart disease; by the time symptoms appear, significant damage has often already been done. A timely ECG, echocardiogram, or risk assessment can catch what symptoms alone cannot, and can mean the difference between a manageable condition and a medicalemergency."...