India Pharma Outlook Team | Monday, 21 July 2025
India's burgeoning heart disease burden is not only seen in melodramatized reports of cardiac arrests of young heroes but also in a frightening 50% five-year jump in sales of cardiovascular medicines.
According to a June report by Pharmarack, following the sales of 17 leading pharmaceutical firms responsible for over half of the Indian pharma industry, sales of cardiac drugs increased from ?1,761 crore in June 2021 to ?2,645 crore by June 2025, at an annual growth rate of 10.7%.
Cardiovascular drugs, including lipid-lowering medicines, heart failure medicines, and anti-anginals, have dominated in sales in terms of volume over drugs for digestive diseases, infections, and diabetes. Experts attribute this rising trend to greater awareness, earlier hypertension diagnosis, and an aging population.
"Cardiovascular diseases are certainly increasing. But diagnostic capabilities and access to treatment have improved considerably too," maintained Dr. Ajay Mahajan, Head of Cardiology, KEM Hospital. India's figures indicate that 63% of deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) of which 27% are caused by cardiovascular diseases.
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Shifting guidelines have also been altering prescribing habits. "While hypertension used to be diagnosed at 130-140 mmHg, now even readings of 120 are recommended," said Dr. Suraj Nagre of JJ Hospital.
Senior cardiologist Dr. Ramakanta Panda illustrated the interrelatedness of heart drugs: "From statins to anti-anginals and anti-hypertensives, these drugs work synergistically to cut down overall cardiovascular risk."
With increasing incidence of heart diseases, particularly among elderly Indians, cardiologists are emphasizing early detection, management of lifestyle, and synchronized medication to avert complications.
