What Causes Heart Attacks in Young People?

There was a time when heart attacks were restricted to older people (in their 50s, 60s, or 70s). However, in today’s day and age, heart attacks are becoming increasingly common in individuals under the age of 40 years. In this article, we will explore the causes of heart attacks in young people and what you can do to prevent them.

Heart Attack Risk Factors in Young People

The risk factors for heart attacks in young people are similar to those for older adults, but there are some additional factors that can increase the risk for younger individuals.

Some of the most common heart attacks causes in young people include:

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, and it is becoming increasingly common in young people.
• High cholesterol: High cholesterol levels can contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of a heart attack.
• Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attacks, and young people who smoke are at an even greater risk.
• Diabetes: Young people with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart attacks due to their increased risk of developing heart disease.
• Family history: Young people with a family history of heart disease are at an increased risk of heart attacks.

Other factors that increase the risk of heart attacks in younger individuals include a lack of physical activity and movement due to sedentary jobs and the growing use of digital screens. Also, younger generations have easy access to high-calorie processed foods, which are known to cause high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. These are the underlying conditions that cause a wide array of heart-related ailments, including coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and various types of heart failure.

The Importance of Primordial Prevention

Primordial prevention is the practice of identifying and addressing risk factors for heart attacks before they occur. It includes lifestyle changes such as avoiding junk foods, tobacco smoking, and alcohol. It can also include getting regular check-ups and screenings to identify risk factors and heart attack symptoms early on. By taking steps to prevent heart attacks before they occur, we can reduce the number of young people who experience them.

What to Do If You Are at Risk?

If you are at risk of a heart attack, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk. These include:

• Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes can help to lower your risk of a heart attack. That includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
• Medications: A heart disease specialist may prescribe medications to lower your risk of a heart attack, such as blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications.
• Monitoring: Visiting a heart specialist for regular check-ups and screenings can help to identify risk factors early on, so that steps can be taken to reduce your risk.

Conclusion

Heart attacks are turning into a life-threatening problem for young people. But with the right steps, you can minimize your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. That involves identifying and addressing risk factors early through primordial prevention and making healthy lifestyle changes.

Dr. C Raghu is one of the best cardiologists in India who specializes in interventional cardiology. He has helped improve the quality of life of countless patients with heart ailments. If you are looking for a reputed and experienced cardiologist in Hyderabad, feel free to consult Dr. Raghu today.