18 September 2026, Greater Noida: ShardaCare – Healthcity, through its Institute of Cardiac Sciences, organised a Free Cardiac and Varicose Vein Screening Camp at its hospital premises in Greater Noida, witnessing participation from more than 100 people from Greater Noida and surrounding areas. Held ahead of World Heart Day on September 29, the initiative focused on creating awareness about early warning signs of cardiac and vascular conditions and encouraging people to seek timely medical evaluation.

The camp provided free specialist consultation and ECG screening, while ECHO and Colour Doppler investigations were offered at a 50% discount. The initiative enabled people experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations, high blood pressure, leg swelling, heaviness or pain, and prominent or visible veins to consult specialists and undergo an initial assessment.

Cardiovascular disease continues to be a significant public health concern in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases account for a substantial proportion of deaths in the country, with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity and tobacco use among the important risk factors. Globally, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, making early detection, risk-factor management and timely treatment important components of preventive healthcare.

Speaking about the importance of preventive screening, Dr. Akhil K. Rustagi, Senior Director and HOD, Cardiology, ShardaCare – Healthcity, said, “Chest discomfort, breathlessness and palpitations should not always be written off as age, lifestyle or stress. Similarly, persistent leg swelling, heaviness or prominent veins may not simply be cosmetic concerns. They need to be evaluated by a specialist to determine whether there is an underlying cardiac or vascular condition and whether further testing or intervention is required. Community screening initiatives such as this provide an opportunity for people to understand their symptoms and seek appropriate medical advice at the right time.”

Dr. Subhendu Mohanty, Director & Unit Head – Cardiology, ShardaCare – Healthcity, said, “Some cardiac conditions may remain unnoticed until symptoms become significant. Clinical evaluation, echocardiography and other appropriate investigations can help assess heart function and determine whether further evaluation or treatment is required. Preventive screening provides an opportunity to identify concerns earlier and guide patients towards the appropriate course of care.”

The camp also sought to improve awareness about the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, two terms that are often used interchangeably but describe different medical emergencies. A heart attack is primarily a circulation problem caused by reduced or blocked blood flow to the heart, while cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping effectively because of an electrical problem. A heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, but the two conditions are not the same.

Dr. Vivek Tandon, Director & Head – Interventional Cardiology, ShardaCare – Healthcity, said, “Chest discomfort, breathlessness and palpitations can sometimes indicate underlying coronary artery disease. Early assessment can help identify patients who may require further evaluation, including coronary angiography or angioplasty, when clinically indicated. Recognising symptoms early and seeking medical attention can be important in preventing a potentially serious cardiac event.”

Dr. Gautam Agarwal, Senior Consultant – Cardiology, ShardaCare – Healthcity, said, “Persistent leg swelling, heaviness, pain or prominent veins should not be ignored. Early vascular evaluation can help identify varicose veins or other underlying conditions and determine whether further investigation or treatment is needed. In suitable cases, minimally invasive options can also provide effective treatment.”

Dr. Ajeet Singh, Senior Consultant & Head – Non-Invasive Cardiology, ShardaCare – Healthcity, said, “Regular preventive screening is important for detecting coronary artery disease, valve problems, rhythm disorders and heart failure at an early stage. Patients with hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol should discuss an appropriate screening plan with their doctor. Cardiovascular risk assessment should be considered as part of routine healthcare, particularly when multiple risk factors are present.”

Adding to this, Dr. Praveen Raman Mishra, Associate Consultant – Cardiology, ShardaCare – Healthcity, said, “Cardiac screening plays an important role in identifying heart-related concerns and assessing risk factors. ECG, echocardiography and other diagnostic tests can provide important clinical information and help guide the next steps when symptoms or clinical findings require further evaluation.”

The initiative formed part of ShardaCare – Healthcity’s community outreach programme, aimed at taking preventive healthcare and specialist consultation closer to the community. Through such initiatives, the hospital continued to encourage people to pay attention to symptoms, understand their individual risk factors and seek medical advice rather than delaying evaluation until symptoms became severe.