Hridayamrit Foundation Completes One Year, Unveils National Mission for Heart Health
In a nation where cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, accounting for approximately 28% of all fatalities, a transformative initiative is taking root. The Hridayamrit Foundation, India's premier youth-led organization focused on cardiovascular health literacy and prevention, has successfully completed its first year of operations. Founded by Dr. Amanpreet Singh Wasir, MBBS, this non-profit is now poised to launch a flagship National Mission aimed at revolutionizing heart disease prevention across the country.
Addressing a Critical Health Epidemic
India faces a severe non-communicable disease crisis, with heart conditions disproportionately affecting younger populations and underserved communities. South Asians, in particular, carry a genetically heightened risk, developing cardiovascular issues a decade earlier than global averages. Despite this, awareness remains critically low, with millions unaware of their blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol levels. The Hridayamrit Foundation was established to bridge this gap, emphasizing that prevention is not only better but also more cost-effective and impactful than cure.
Dr. Wasir recalls a pivotal moment that inspired the foundation's creation: "During a busy clinic, I had limited time to counsel a hypertensive patient. Later, she sought information online but found only Western data and complex jargon, nothing tailored to her South Asian context. This highlighted a stark reality: we lack platforms that speak to our language, lifestyle, and risks. If we can't explain heart disease in relatable terms, we're failing our people."
Growth and Impact in the First Year
Registered as a Section 8 not-for-profit in March 2025, the Hridayamrit Foundation derives its name from Sanskrit—'Hriday' meaning heart and 'Amrit' symbolizing the nectar of knowledge and empowerment. Unlike existing cardiac care groups, it stands out as the first youth-led entity dedicated exclusively to preventive cardiology, patient education, and public health literacy.
In just twelve months, the foundation has achieved remarkable milestones:
- Reached over 3,000 individuals through community-based cardiovascular screenings and health literacy programs.
- Mobilized more than 500 young volunteers, conducting over 20 hybrid activities nationwide.
- Established a Medical School Campus Ambassador program spanning over 100 medical colleges, creating India's most extensive student-driven cardiovascular health network in preventive cardiology.
- Expanded operations to 20+ states and union territories, supported by over 20 leading cardiovascular advisors and 40+ national and international partnerships.
Launching the Flagship National Mission
As it enters its second year, the Hridayamrit Foundation is preparing to roll out its National Mission—a phased campaign designed to bring comprehensive cardiovascular prevention to every corner of India. Key components of this initiative include:
- Deploying AI-augmented survey tools for enhanced data collection and analysis.
- Training a dedicated preventive cardiology workforce to build local capacity.
- Conducting mass cardiometabolic screenings to identify at-risk populations early.
- Delivering culturally grounded health education materials, with content planned for translation into regional languages.
- Establishing long-term follow-up systems to track behavioral changes and outcomes.
In a strategic move, the foundation has partnered with the South Asian Prevention Network Alliance (SAPNA) of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) to develop a tailored cardiovascular health literacy framework. This framework incorporates culturally relevant guidance and region-specific clinical thresholds, ensuring it resonates with South Asian communities.
A Vision for a Healthier India
Dr. Wasir, who is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and holds roles with ASPC and the American College of Cardiology, emphasizes an integrated approach. "We believe that informed decisions save lives," he states. "Heart health must go beyond clinical factors to embrace overall well-being. India's traditional wisdom, like Yoga and Ayurveda, has long emphasized prevention. At Hridayamrit, we're reshaping the narrative for youth—every person trained, community screened, or family educated means another heart saved. I invite everyone to join us in building a healthier India."
With its first anniversary, the Hridayamrit Foundation marks not just a year of progress but the dawn of a movement. In a healthcare landscape often reactive to crises, this youth-led organization is pioneering a proactive path—where prevention takes precedence, young professionals lead the charge, and equitable access to life-saving knowledge becomes a reality for all hearts, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status.
