Why Heart Attacks In Young People Has Increased in Recent Years?

South Asians, including Indians, have a high risk of heart disease. Sadly, the condition is equally prevalent in young people. A study by Stanford University suggests that South Asians have a 40 percent higher mortality rate from heart disease than the rest of the world. However, the worst-hit age group is between 25 and 40 years.

Some reasons for this include

1. Unhealthy lifestyle
2. Alcohol
3. Smoking
4. Ignoring that they might be at risk.

Unfortunately, looking healthy on the outside does not guarantee perfect health. Hence, it is crucial to prevent heart attacks. If ignored, heart attacks may result in heart failure.

But let us circle to the main question: Why are heart attacks common in young people? Continue reading to find out.

Reasons for Heart Attacks in the Young

The heart attack risk rises when

1. A man reaches his 50s
2. Woman crosses the age of 65

However, this seems like a stale trend. These days, even the young are susceptible to heart attacks. Many cases have been reported in people between the 20s-40s.

Some common disorders that heighten their risk include

1. High cholesterol level
2. High triglycerides level
3. Hypertension

The best cardiologists in India regard several reasons for high heart attacks in the young. Let us take you through them.

Anxiety and Stress

Youth leads a life riddled with stress. These days, the stress levels are higher than ever before.

Some common reasons include

1. Workplace toxicity
2. Financial insecurity
3. Volatile job market
4. Unrealistic expectations
5. Social media abuse
6. Distressing news

Sadly, the youth also lack a healthy medium to deal with the stress.

Stress is terrible for the body. It can result in

1. High blood pressure
2. Unhealthy weight gain

When hypertension goes undiagnosed, it can damage the arteries. It also causes a decline in the blood supply to the heart. When the heart does not receive adequate blood, the muscles degrade. It can trigger a heart attack.

Related : What Causes Heart Attacks In Young People?

Unhealthy Diet

Heart attack specialists in Hyderabad blame our diet for a high heart attack risk.

The youth indulges in unhealthy eating for several reasons

1. It is their way to relieve the stress.
2. They do not know how to cook healthy meals
3. Their schedules do not allow them to cook at home.

Consequently, they indulge in unhealthy eating.

Beyond this, young people tend to

1. Satiate their cravings with fried foods, desserts, and sweets.
2. Rely on take-outs.
3. Eat instant/packaged foods.

All these are bad for the heart.

Trans fats in white bread, cookies, or deep-fried foods spike the bad cholesterol. It accumulates in the inner lining of the blood vessels that go to the heart. Consequently, there is an obstruction narrowing the passage. It also hampers the amount of blood traveling to the heart. All of this can trigger a heart attack.

Other diet-associated factors that spike their risk include

1. Taking different supplements without consulting the best cardiologists in India.
2. Indulging in extreme diets

Always consult a doctor before practicing any diets or taking supplements.

Diabetes and Obesity

Eating unhealthy can cause obesity. It is the risk factor for diabetes. India ranks third globally in the obesity index. The high obesity incident rate among youth increases their risk for Type 2 diabetes. Both these conditions aggravate the risk of heart disease.

Exercise

Heart attack specialists in Hyderabad blame no or excessive workouts as another reason for young deaths.

Cardiovascular exercises increase heart rate. They help ward off obesity and keep LDL levels in check, protecting the heart. Exercise also boosts blood supply to the heart. However, many youngsters skip exercise, thinking they don’t have time after work.

On the other hand, some young people over-exercise to achieve the ‘perfect body’ promoted by the media. If they have undiagnosed heart conditions, excessive exercise can worsen the heart and lead to a heart attack. Unmonitored weight training thickens heart muscles, and unprescribed supplements can cause arrhythmia.

Doctors say some people in their 20s develop heart blockages due to genetics or bad cholesterol. Extreme workouts in such cases can trigger blood clots near blockages, leading to a heart attack.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Some lifestyle issues with the youth include

1. Lack of physical activity
2. Prolonged sitting in front of a laptop or TV
3. Excessive screen time
4. Poor sleep habits
5. Irregular eating schedules

Improving these areas can offer significant health benefits for people of all ages.

Healthcare experts suggest that you can reduce the possibility of cardiac issues by leading a healthy lifestyle.

Some tips that can help are

1. Indulge in moderate exercises five times a week.
2. Get routine health checkups for early diagnosis and better prognosis.
3. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Cut out red meat from your diet.
5. Avoid trans and saturated fats.
6. Quit alcohol and smoking.
7. Monitor your blood cholesterol levels.
8. Keep an eye on your blood pressure.
9. Check your blood sugar levels
10. Know your ideal BMI and take measures to maintain a healthy weight.
11. Learn to manage stress.
12. Speak to a therapist if needed.

Bottom Line

Take good care of your heart. Your heart deserves attention and care regardless of how young you may be. Live healthy to prevent heart attacks and other illnesses. If you have a history of heart ailments in your family, get tested once a year. Prevention is better than cure. So, stay aware and maintain good health. However, if you need help with your heart health, consult Dr. Raghu, a renowned cardiologist in Hyderabad.