Bhopal, September 29, 2025 – Cardiac emergencies in Madhya Pradesh are rising at an alarming pace, with ambulance data showing a nearly fivefold surge between May and November 2024. In just seven months, more than 15,000 heart attack and cardiovascular emergencies were attended by 108 ambulance services, underscoring an urgent public-health challenge.
What makes this trend particularly worrying is the delay in seeking care. Over 82% of calls were made more than six hours after the onset of symptoms, a gap that drastically reduces the effectiveness of treatment and survival outcomes. While the average age of patients remains around 52 years, doctors are increasingly seeing younger adults with sudden cardiac events.
Bhopal, known as the “City of Lakes,” is equally famous for its rich culinary non veg tradition along with Bhutte ka Kees, and the ever-popular Poha-Jalebi breakfasts. These dishes represent the city’s heritage and pride, but cardiologists caution that taste without balance is becoming a hidden risk factor.
“Bhopal’s food is an integral part of our identity,” said Dr. R.S. Meena, DM Cardiology, Anant Heart Hospital, Bhopal. “From gosht korma to poha-jalebi, our cuisine is something to celebrate. But when these meals are combined with sedentary lifestyles and late medical response, the impact on heart health is devastating. Every week, I see patients who delayed seeking help, only to arrive after the golden hour has passed. This delay can mean the difference between recovery and death.”
Dr. Meena emphasized that the solution is not to abandon culture but to find balance. “Our grandparents also enjoyed rich meals, but their lives were more active. Today, we eat the same but move much less. Just thirty minutes of brisk walking or yoga daily can make a major difference. Regular check-ups and immediate response to chest pain, breathlessness, or fatigue are non-negotiable. Food brings joy, but only a healthy heart allows us to keep enjoying it.”
On World Heart Day, Dr. Meena issued a clear reminder: “Bhopal must protect both its culture and its health. Let us continue to enjoy gosht korma, paya soup, and poha-jalebi, but let us also respect the warning signs our body gives. Timely care, exercise, and awareness will ensure Bhopal remains known for its lakes and cuisine—not for rising heart emergencies.”