Why is there a rise in heart attack cases among youngsters?

Heart attacks are no longer an ageing disease. As per the Indian Heart Association (IHA), 25% of all heart attacks in Indian men occur under the age of 40. The reported rise in heart attacks, cardiac arrests and other heart ailments is happening at a time when more millennials and Gen Zs, are becoming health […]

by Dr. Meghana Pasi - October 24, 2023, 9:39 am

Heart attacks are no longer an ageing disease. As per the Indian Heart Association (IHA), 25% of all heart attacks in Indian men occur under the age of 40. The reported rise in heart attacks, cardiac arrests and other heart ailments is happening at a time when more millennials and Gen Zs, are becoming health conscious. This contradiction on deeper investigation brings out the fact that looking fit and feeling fit on the outside is not a testament or synonymous to being fit. Hence, it becomes all the more necessary to understand and address the risk factors leading to the rise in CVDs and more so of heart attacks among the young adults.

What is a heart attack?
A myocardial infarction (commonly called a heart attack), is an extremely dangerous condition caused by a lack of blood flow to our heart muscle. There is chest discomfort, shortness of breath, hypertension and it requires immediate medical attention. Various factors can lead to blockage of the arteries, which might eventually obstruct the flow of blood to & from the heart.
According to the IHA, heart disease is the number one cause of mortality and a silent epidemic among Indians, claiming nearly three million lives every year. There are many risk factors, modifiable and non-modifiable that predisposes one to heart diseases.
Non-modifiable risk factors:
n Genetic predisposition: Research reveals that we Indians have a higher predisposition to heart disease and develop the ailment about 10 years before our global counterparts.
n Family history: Having a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension, increases the risk of CVDs.

Modifiable risk factors:

Keep this in mind – “With a healthy heart, the beat goes on”.
Five most essential steps to reduce the risk of heart attacks:

Dr. Meghana Pasi, Nutrition Consultant, MyThali, Arogya World