LUCKNOW, April 11 -- Cardiologists from across the globe raised concerns over the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in India, particularly among younger populations, on the second day of the National Interventional Council (NIC) conference, held at the auditorium of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, on Friday. Addressing the gathering, Dr Takashi Ashikaga, a cardiologist from Japan, said India is witnessing a disproportionately high burden of heart diseases, with patients developing conditions nearly a decade earlier than their Western counterparts. Citing estimates from the World Health Organization and global studies such as the Global Burden of Disease, he noted that CVDs account for over 25% of all deaths in India, with a worrying trend of higher mortality among younger individuals. Echoing similar concerns, Dr Gaurav Dhar, a practising cardiologist from Canada, said Indians are genetically predisposed to heart ailments. "Higher rates of abdominal obesity, hypertension, and diabetes significantly increase the risk," he said, adding that WHO estimates suggest nearly 85% of cardiovascular deaths are caused by heart attacks and strokes, particularly impacting developing nations like India. Dr Sharad Chandra of the Lari Cardiology Department, said Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides in strengthening cardiac care infrastructure. He added that advanced procedures are now available in the districts too. Present at the event were Dhiman Kahali, president CSI, D P Sinha general secretary CSI, Harinder K Bali scientific chairman, Debabrata Roy international and inter-institutional relations coordinator CSI, Satyendra Tewari patron, Aditya Kapoor, organising chairperson and Rishi Sethi, chairman, reception committee....