India, Dec. 23 -- Heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of illness and mortality in India, affecting not just older adults but increasingly younger people as well. With lifestyle-related risk factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, chronic stress and inadequate sleep on the rise, protecting heart health has become more important than ever.

Five cardiologists from India's top hospitals share their expert insights with HT Lifestyle on what truly matters for keeping your heart strong and healthy. (Also read: Heart failure: Cardiologist highlights 5 subtle signs like swollen ankles that indicate your heart is weakening )

To understand how diet affects heart health, Dr Sunil Kumar Mandal, consultant cardiologi...