In a breakthrough in the treatment of heart failure, new medicines are showing remarkable results, with around 25% of patients experiencing a reversal in their condition, restoring their heart's pumping capacity. Dr. JC Mohan, a leading cardiologist, shared these developments at the Annual ECHO Nagpur 2025 Conference.

Key highlights
Heart failure treatment breakthrough

• Around 25% of heart failure patients see their heart’s pumping power restored with new medicines.

• In about 50% of patients, heart failure is now effectively controlled.

Understanding heart failure

• Unlike heart attacks, which are sudden events caused by a blockage, heart failure develops gradually when the heart becomes weak and struggles to pump blood effectively.

Prevalence in India

• Around 1% of India's adult population (about 1 crore people) suffer from heart failure.

• Heart failure is often underdiagnosed, leading to a worse outcome compared to many cancers.

Risk factors and prevention

• Diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for heart failure.

• Early detection through regular check-ups, including simple tests like ECHO, ECG, and blood tests, is crucial for effective treatment.

Expert opinions

• Dr. Vinod Vijan, former president of the Lipid Association of India, stressed that Indians should aim for cholesterol levels at least 10 points lower than global standards due to genetic predisposition to heart diseases.

• Dr. Shantanu Sengupta, Programme director for ECHO Nagpur 2025, emphasized the importance of incorporating ECHO in regular health check-ups for people over 40 years.

The development of new heart failure medicines offers hope, significantly improving the quality of life for many patients. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, patients can live six to eight years longer, underscoring the importance of timely medical intervention. The increase in awareness around heart diseases, along with improved diagnostic tools like 2D and 3D ECHO, is empowering doctors and patients alike in combating this life-threatening condition.