A New Hope for Heart Failure Patients in India
India is facing a growing crisis as heart failure cases surge, particularly among working-age adults. In response to this alarming trend, STAR Hospitals has launched the STAR Heart Failure Clinic in Hyderabad, aiming to address this urgent public health challenge. The clinic serves not only Telangana and Andhra Pradesh but also patients across the country, combining world-class care with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for those suffering from heart failure.
Over the past five years, the number of heart disease treatment claims has nearly doubled, and sudden cardiac deaths have increased significantly. In 2022 alone, Telangana recorded 282 heart-related deaths, with most victims being men in their 30s to 50s. Factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and stress have made Hyderabad a hotspot for cardiovascular risk, making it an ideal location for a specialized clinic focused on preventing deaths and improving quality of life.
Comprehensive Care for Heart Failure Patients
The STAR Heart Failure Clinic offers a wide range of services designed to provide holistic care to patients. These include:
- Comprehensive diagnostics and risk stratification: Ensuring accurate identification of heart failure and its underlying causes.
- Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT): Proven treatments that improve survival rates.
- Daycare infusion, cardiac rehab, and lifestyle support: Helping patients manage their condition effectively.
- Evaluation for advanced therapies: Including heart transplants and Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD).
- Long-term follow-up: Preventing relapses and reducing hospitalizations through consistent care.
Despite the availability of effective treatments, national data shows that only 25-47% of Indian patients receive guideline-recommended therapies. This gap in care contributes to higher mortality rates, underscoring the need for specialized clinics like the STAR Heart Failure Clinic.
A Unique Challenge in India
Heart failure in India presents a different set of challenges compared to Western countries. While many patients in the West are diagnosed in their 70s, Indian patients often develop heart failure in their 50s and 60s, at the peak of their working lives. Nearly 70% of these patients are men, many of whom are primary breadwinners. The leading causes—such as ischemic heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and rheumatic heart disease—are affecting younger individuals more rapidly than in other regions.
Dr. Gopichand Mannam, Managing Director of STAR Hospitals Group, emphasizes that the high in-hospital and one-year mortality rates in India are twice the global average. He highlights the importance of early diagnosis, structured therapy, and long-term care to change these outcomes.
A Silent Crisis Among Younger Indians
Heart failure is becoming a major public health issue in India, driven by factors such as rising coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, and longer life expectancy. Unlike in the West, where the condition typically affects older adults, heart failure in India is increasingly impacting younger individuals, leading to significant socio-economic consequences.
Dr. Ramesh Gudapati, Joint Managing Director of STAR Hospitals Group, points out that late diagnosis, suboptimal treatment, and lack of follow-up care further complicate the situation. He stresses the need for dedicated heart failure clinics that offer comprehensive, guideline-directed management, multidisciplinary care, and structured follow-up to improve patient outcomes.
Understanding the Spectrum of Heart Failure
Heart failure is not a single disease but a spectrum that includes various forms such as systolic failure (HFrEF), diastolic failure (HFpEF), and right-sided or congestive heart failure. Each type has unique causes and requires tailored treatment approaches.
Dr. Jagadeesh Babu Karusala, Sr. Consultant Cardiac Electrophysiologist & Interventional Cardiologist at STAR Hospitals Group, emphasizes that early diagnosis is critical. Prompt identification allows patients to begin personalized therapies, lifestyle changes, and device support before irreversible damage occurs. Evidence shows that timely, accurate diagnosis can significantly improve prognosis and reduce hospitalizations.
Heart Transplant: A Life-Saving Option
For patients with end-stage heart failure, a heart transplant can be a miracle. In India, approximately 90-100 heart transplants are performed annually, yet over 50,000 patients require this intervention each year, with only a small fraction receiving it.
Dr. Suresh Yerra, Consultant – Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiologist at STAR Hospitals Group, explains that one-year survival rates after a transplant reach 90%, with an average life expectancy of around 12.5 years. Many patients return to work within three to six months and resume active, fulfilling lives.
A Model for the Future
During the launch of the STAR Heart Failure Clinic, heart transplant survivors and chronic heart failure patients shared powerful stories of survival and resilience. These experiences highlight the life-changing impact of timely, structured care. The clinic’s multidisciplinary team aims to lead India’s efforts against heart failure, combining clinical excellence with community outreach, education, and early screening programs.
The STAR Heart Failure Clinic represents a chance to intervene early, save lives, and build a model that can be replicated across India. It is a step toward addressing a silent crisis that affects millions and offers hope for a healthier future.
