Heart disease is not just a concern for older adults anymore

Afra Afzal Sait | NT

Bengaluru: In the last few years, there have been several instances of seemingly healthy and young or middle-aged people succumbing to heart health concerns.

Younger generations are increasingly falling prey to heart attacks due to various factors such as lifestyle choices, genetic predisposition, and increased prevalence of smoking.

In India, heart attacks in men below 50 years account for 50% of cases, while 25% occur in men below 40 years. Women are also experiencing a rise in heart disease cases.

A decade ago it was rare to see someone below 50 get admitted to the hospital due to a heart attack, but in recent years, the number of young people suffering or dying from heart attacks has substantially increased and substantially increased the number of young people suffering or dying from heart attacks.

Dr. Vijaykumar JR, an Associate professor at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology says that the number of young people suffering or dying from heart attacks has substantially increased in recent years, with heart disease becoming a major health concern around the world.

According to the World Health Organization, India accounts for one-fifth of global deaths caused by heart disease, with 50% of heart attacks occurring in men below 50 years, and 25% in men below 40 years.

While men are more vulnerable to heart attacks, recent trends show an increase in women's cases due to lifestyle factors and smoking.

NT: What are the factors contributing to the increased risk of heart disease among youngsters?

Dr. Vijaykumar JR: Various factors contribute to the increased risk of heart disease among youngsters. While many of them think that heart attacks only impact elderly people, the formation of blockage that causes heart disease can begin during childhood and adolescence.

Lifestyle choices, genetic factors, family history, diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol all contribute to the progression of blockages.

Additionally, increased smoking rates, exposure to environmental dust and pollution, sedentary lifestyles, drug abuse, obesity, unhealthy eating habits, work stress, and psychiatric diseases such as depression, loneliness, and addiction to gadgets with excessive screen time all contribute to heart disease.

NT: Warning signs of Heart disease?

Dr. Vijaykumar: People of all ages need to be aware of several warning signs of heart disease. These include chest discomfort, tightness, heaviness, or pressure, throat burning, upper back pain or lower jaw pain at rest or while walking, easily getting exhausted, excessive sweating in cold weather, swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet, coughing with white or pink mucus, and irregular heartbeats.

People should consult their cardiologists immediately if they experience any of these symptoms without delay to avoid extreme situations.

Dr. Vijaykumar JR, senior consultant of cardiology at Apollo Hospital says that" KEEP WALKING(10000 STEPS A DAY) FOR THE BETTER HEART HEALTH".

NT: Effective strategies to prevent Heart attacks in youngsters

Dr. Vijaykumar JR: Effective preventive measures that people can take to reduce the risk of heart attacks include quitting smoking, reducing screen time, increasing physical activity, maintaining ideal body weight, avoiding junk foods, sweetened beverages, trans fats, and promoting healthy food habits such as eating high fibre and protein-rich whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and avoiding red meat and dairy products.

GUIDELINES FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Dr. Sreekanth B. Shetty a Senior Consultant and the Head of Interventional Cardiology at Sakra World Hospital says that Understanding your heart's limits is vital; exceeding 80% of your max heart rate can risk heart attacks, known as the "red zone, especially if under 50.

Sudden cardiac arrests surged 13% from middle to the middle due to lifestyle factors. Recognizing overtraining syndrome (OTS) symptoms is crucial for athletes.

Assess your health before workouts and heed symptoms like chest discomfort or dizziness, as they could signal underlying issues, prioritizing fitness safety.

1. Exercise is a potent tool for heart health, reducing blood pressure, and diabetes risk, and controlling weight while lowering inflammation and addressing heart disease risk factors.

2. Regular physical activity enhances heart efficiency, reduces stress hormones, and supports cardiovascular well-being, decreasing the risk of sudden heart attacks.

3. Pay attention to potential heartrelated sympt