Heart disease is often linked to high cholesterol, obesity, or lack of exercise. However, there is mounting evidence that suggests that mental health plays a crucial role in cardiovascular well-being. Stress, anxiety, and depression can silently strain the heart, increasing the risk of serious complications.

A recent study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, showed that loneliness has a significant impact on proteins present in a person's blood. For the study, researchers used data from more than 42,000 participants to explore whether the 9.3% who reported social isolation and 6.4% who reported loneliness had different levels of proteins in their blood compared with those who did not. The researchers then studied data that tracked the health of participants over an average 14-year period.

"We found around 90% of these proteins are linked to the risk of mortality," Dr Chun Shen, Fudan University in China, who is also the lead researcher said. "In addition, about 50% of the proteins were linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke," he added.

Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, senior consultant at Sharda Hospital, said that subtle symptoms of heart disease, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the lower legs, dizziness, and jaw pain, are often overlooked or attributed to stress and ageing. "Women, in particular, may experience atypical signs like extreme fatigue, indigestion, or upper abdominal pain instead of classic chest pain, leading to delayed diagnosis," he added.

Can Mental Health Issues Trigger Heart Diseases?

Chronic stress can trigger harmful cardiovascular effects, including elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and inflammation—key contributors to heart disease. Anxiety and depression further impact heart health by disrupting sleep patterns, raising stress hormone levels, and encouraging unhealthy habits like poor diet and inactivity.

Mental health issues like depression and anxiety have a profound impact on the heart. They don’t just affect emotions but can increase inflammation and put extra strain on the cardiovascular system, warns Dr Srivastav.

Certain risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, disproportionately affect women, making them more vulnerable to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, due to gender-specific symptom variations, heart disease in women often goes undiagnosed for longer.

Obesity is more prevalent in women than men and is a major risk factor for heart failure. Diabetes, too, has a greater impact on women’s heart health, yet diagnosis and treatment delays are common. Addressing this gap requires increasing awareness, training healthcare providers, and promoting early diagnostic tools,” explains Dr Srivastav.

How Can You Protect Your Heart?

A simple yet effective way to support heart health is by committing to a brisk 30-minute walk daily. Walking not only helps regulate blood pressure and manage weight but also improves circulation and reduces stress.

"Regular physical activity, paired with a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, significantly lowers cardiovascular risks," advises Dr Srivastav.

Heart disease can often go undetected until a major event occurs, making routine screenings essential.

- For women: Begin screenings around age 30 and continue with regular checkups.

- For men: Start screenings at age 35.

Health screenings, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and electrocardiograms (ECGs), are critical for early detection of silent heart conditions.

About 35 people have tested positive for Chandipura virus, while 22 have lost their lives due to the insect-borne virus, said Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya.

Speaking to the media, Pansheriya added that seven others are currently undergoing treatment in ICUs with ventilator and oxygen support under the supervision of super-specialist doctors.

The state health department has intensified surveillance and testing efforts across affected areas and is working to identify and isolate suspected cases.

What Is Chandipura Virus?

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an insect-borne virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family and the Vesiculovirus genus. It was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village in Maharashtra.

The virus is transmitted primarily through phlebotomine sandflies, although mosquitoes and ticks may also play a role in transmission.

Also read: 6-in-1 Vaccine Could Make India's Childhood Immunization Program More Efficient, Cut Costs: Health Ministry Study

Most cases have been reported from central and western India, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon months when sandfly populations increase.

While some infections remain mild, the virus can rapidly invade the brain, causing acute encephalitis (brain inflammation), seizures, coma, and even death, especially in children.

"In some children, Chandipura virus can cause severe brain inflammation and become life-threatening within a short period," said Dr. Kanchankumar Bhagyawant, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.

Symptoms Of Chandipura Virus Infection

Symptoms usually begin suddenly and may initially resemble other viral illnesses. The expert urged to watch out for:

• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Excessive sleepiness or reduced activity
• Irritability or behavioural changes
• Convulsions or seizures
• Loss of consciousness in severe cases.

"Parents should never ignore a fever lasting more than three days if it is accompanied by repeated vomiting, seizures, confusion, or excessive sleepiness. Seeking immediate medical care can be lifesaving," Dr. Bhagyawant said.

Why Are Children More At Risk?

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According to Dr. Bhagyawant, children below 15 years, especially those living in rural and semi-rural areas, are the most vulnerable to Chandipura virus infection. Although adults can be infected, severe disease is far less common.

Children are at greater risk because of several factors:

• Immature immune system: Young children have fewer antibodies and are less able to fight new viral infections.
• Higher exposure: Outdoor play increases contact with sandflies, particularly during the monsoon.
• Limited prior immunity: Most children have not been previously exposed to the virus.
• Rapid disease progression: The virus can multiply quickly, overwhelming a child's immune system.
• Developing brain: Children's brains are more vulnerable to encephalitis and neurological damage.
• Delayed diagnosis: Early symptoms resemble common viral infections, delaying treatment.
• Limited healthcare access: Rural areas may have fewer diagnostic and treatment facilities.
• Poor vector control: Inadequate measures to control sandflies increase the risk of transmission.

How Can Chandipura Virus Infection Be Prevented?

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus. Prevention focuses on avoiding insect bites and reducing exposure to sandflies.

Dr. Bhagyawant recommended:

• Use mosquito or sandfly nets, especially for children at night.
• Apply age-appropriate insect repellents.
• Dress children in full-sleeved clothing and long pants.
• Keep homes and surroundings clean.
• Eliminate stagnant water and improve sanitation around homes and animal shelters.
• Install window screens where possible.
• Seek immediate medical attention if a child develops a high fever along with vomiting, seizures or altered consciousness.

Indian food regulatory body FSSAI has barred the sale of select products produced by one of the biggest FMCG companies in India.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India prohibited Dabur India from selling its popular household products like honey, cow ghee, and edible oils with '100 percent' claims.

FSSAI's Crackdown On Dabur India Products

On Monday, FSSAI shared a social media post, announcing that it has banned the sale of a few products produced by Dabur India over misleading claims.

In a Tweet, it said that the FMCG giant has been asked to stop selling products like honey, apple cider vinegar, virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, cow ghee, coconut water, coconut milk, and other products due to various non-compliances.

The following violations were listed by the food regulatory body:

Misleading '100%' Claims

FSSAI said that some Dabur products were being sold on the company's website with misleading '100% percent' claims like '100% Natural', '100% Pure', '100% Purity Guaranteed', '100% Organic, and '100% Tender Coconut Water'.

FSSAI said that Dabur Homemade Coconut Milk was being sold with the claim '100% Purity', which is in violation with its rules.

According to FSS (Advertising & Claims) Regulations, 2018, the use of claims with '100%' is prohibited as it's an ambiguous term which cannot be verified. It further said that such claims can mislead the consumers.

Also read: FSSAI Bans Some Liquor Produced by India's Largest Alcohol Company Over Artificial Flavouring

Misuse Of Jaivik Bharat Logo

Furthermore, its products like Dabur Himalayan Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and Dabur Organic Honey were found showcasing Jaivik Bharat Logo without an organic endorsement by FSSAI.

The Jaivik Bharat logo is specifically issued to authentic organic food products in order to distinguish them from non-organic items. It is meant to show compliance with Indian organic standards.

The regulatory body said that by doing so, the company violated FSS (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017.

Also read: No Junk Food Near Schools! Maharashtra FDA Bans Sale Of Foods & Drinks High In Fat, Salt & Sugar

Failure To Respond To Earlier Notice

This is not the first time FSSAI has brought these violations to the company's attention. In its notice, it said that Dabur paid no heed to an earlier notice which directed them to discontinue products with '100% claims'.

It said that the company failed to take "satisfactory corrective action".

Besides prohibiting the sale of these products, FSSAI has asked Dabur to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days.

Also read: 60% Urban Indians Not Confident About Ghee Purity Despite FSSAI Crackdown

Part Of A Broader Strategy

FSSAI's action is part of its broader strategy to stop the sale of products with misleading claims and brand names.

Recently, show-cause notices were sent to brands like Lotte India, Kubera Foods, and Ferns N Petals Pvt Ltd over allegedly misleading claims such as "100% Natural," "100% Vegetarian," and chocolate labelling issues.

It also flagged Heritage Fresh Paneer for using the term "Fresh Paneer" to market its products.

In June, brands like Nestlé, KFC, Open Secret, Emami Healthy & Tasty, Storia Juice, Two Brothers Organic Farms, Healthy Master, Neuherbs, The Health Factory, Troovy, Healthy Choice, Organic Wisdom, Shine Organic, World of Organic, and Lota Water were sent notices for misleading brand names and health claims like "organic," "healthy," "zero maida," and similar marketing claims that may violate labelling regulations.

The currently used breast cancer screening referral criteria at the NHS are missing up to 95% of women under 50 who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer in the next decade, according to a new study.

Published in the British Journal of Cancer, the study found that a more comprehensive, personalized risk assessment could identify 8 times as many women at risk as the current NICE guidelines.

Current Screening Criteria

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In England, women at higher risk of breast cancer are typically identified after being referred by their GP based on family history, following criteria set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), under the NHS.

The researchers from the University of Cambridge and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, analyzed data from 1,258 women under the age of 50.

They found that the criteria would refer only 1.4% of women for specialist assessment and identify just 4.4% of women who went on to develop breast cancer within the next 10 years.

Why Personalized Assessment Is Better?

The researchers then evaluated BOADICEA, a multifactorial risk model that combines:

• Family history
• Lifestyle factors
• Reproductive history
• Genetic information

Using this model, 26.5% of women were classified as having above-average risk and referred for further assessment. This approach identified 34.8% of women who developed breast cancer within the following 10 years—around eight times more than the current NICE criteria.

One major reason for the gap is that 73% of women under 50 who developed breast cancer had no family history of the disease, making them unlikely to qualify for referral under existing guidelines.

"We need to get better at identifying women at highest risk of breast cancer so that we can intervene early, when there are more options for treating, or even preventing, their disease," said Dr Juliet Usher-Smith from the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Cambridge.

Read More: UK Woman Becomes World-First To Receive Experimental Cell Therapy For Ovarian Cancer

Proactive Screening Matters

A second study by the same research team found strong public support for proactive breast cancer risk assessments for women aged 30 to 49, instead of relying on women to seek GP referrals because of family history.

They found that women preferred:

• Proactive invitations for risk assessment
• Comprehensive risk models such as BOADICEA
• Genetic testing where appropriate
• Assessing all women rather than only those with a family history

Dr Sowmiya Moorthie, Senior Strategic Evidence Manager at Cancer Research UK, said broader risk assessment could help more women receive personalized care. However, she noted that further research is needed to understand the impact on NHS staffing, equipment, and patient experience, while ensuring any new approach remains accessible and equitable.

She also emphasized that maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and seeking medical advice for any unusual breast changes remain important ways to reduce risk and improve outcomes through early diagnosis.

Global Breast Cancer Burden

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with steady increases in incidence over the last few decades. It accounts for around one in four cases of cancer and 15 per cent of cancer deaths in women, and is one of the leading causes of death in women under 50.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 59,400 new cases diagnosed annually and roughly 11,200 deaths each year. About one in seven women in the UK develops the disease in their lifetime, though survival rates are high, with nearly 90% surviving for five years or more.