Young people do not seem as invincible as they once did. Whether it is the COVID-19 pandemic in recent times or lifestyle diseases, the youth now forms a sizeable part of the population affected by various health issues.
For example, a heart attack was believed to be a disease mainly of the elderly until recently, and ageing (men above 45 and women above 55) was known to be one of its biggest risk factors.
But in recent years, people in their 20s through 40s have been getting heart attacks, and this trend is worrying.
According to the Indian Heart Association:
“When heart disease strikes Indians, it tends to do so at an earlier age (almost 33% earlier) than other demographics, often without prior warning. Furthermore, 50% of all heart attacks in Indian men occur under 50 years of age and 25% of all heart attacks in Indian men occur under 40 years of age, a staggering figure! Indian women have high mortality rates from cardiac disease as well.”
So why is the seemingly more healthy and health-conscious young population falling prey to heart attacks?
Let’s find out the answers to the most frequently asked questions on this issue.
FAQs
1. What is a heart attack?
A heart attack, medically called a myocardial infarction, is a condition that occurs when blood flow to the heart is interrupted by a blockage or blood clot.
The blockage is usually due to the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls (by a process called atherosclerosis). The interrupted blood flow can damage part of the heart muscle, which manifests as a heart attack.
The most common symptoms of a heart attack are pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest or arms that radiates to your neck, jaw, or back.
Other symptoms that a person may present with are shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, acidity, nausea, and cold sweat.
2. What could be causing heart attacks in young people?
Experts believe that a sedentary lifestyle and consumption of an unhealthy diet (highly processed food, sugar, and trans fats) by the young population, which results in increased body weight and decreased physical activity, could contribute to the increasing instances of heart attacks.
Such a lifestyle also leads to health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which compound the risk of heart attacks.
Further, habits such as smoking, drinking, and substance abuse, which may be prevalent in a large section of the youth, has adverse effects on health.
These habits increase the heart rate, tighten (constrict) the blood vessels, and raise blood pressure, all of which are factors associated with an increased risk of heart attacks.
3. Does stress play a role in inducing heart attacks in young individuals?
It can safely be said that the youth of today is under a lot of stress and anxiety from factors unheard of in the earlier generations.
The fast-paced lifestyle, career demands, relationship problems, and financial strain, all add up to increased stress and mental health issues.
Various studies suggest that stress and anxiety are related to heart diseases. Long-term stress results in high levels of circulating cortisol (a hormone that helps your body deal with stress) that can make a person more prone to high blood cholesterol, blood sugar, and high blood pressure. All of these are common risk factors for heart disease.
4. Young people also tend to exercise obsessively. Could they be doing too much in terms of exercising? Could that cause heart attacks?
While young people may be frequenting the gym more than ever before and might look fit, they might not necessarily be healthy. They may just be unaware of their health issues or risk factors for heart attacks, as any tell-tale symptoms may be absent.
Some doctors state that when a young individual with negligible artery blockage due to increased cholesterol or other genetic factors undergoes a significant physical exertion without preparation, such as during exercise, the exertion on the heart can cause clots to form around the blockage and may even lead to a heart attack.
It is advisable to go for a cardiac check-up before you incorporate an intensive training or workout regime into your lifestyle. You should also consult a doctor before taking any supplements as they could be harmful to your heart.
5. Could you be genetically predisposed to getting a heart attack at a young age?
Yes, those with a family history of heart disease are more likely to suffer from heart diseases, such as heart attacks.
This does not necessarily translate into your having a heart attack if your grandparent or parent has had a heart attack. It just implies that you are more likely to have a heart attack if it runs in the family.
While you cannot change or control your family history, you can lower your risk of having a heart attack by following a healthy lifestyle.
It is never too early to start taking care of your health. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise consistently, avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and make time to destress by practising yoga and meditation and spending time with family and friends.
Be aware of your family history and avail regular health checkups for yourself and your loved ones.
References:
1. Indian Heart Association. 2021. Why Indians? / Why South Asians? - Indian Heart Association. [online] Available at: <http://indianheartassociation.org/why-indians-why-south-asians/> [Accessed 16 September 2021].
2. Cleveland Clinic. 2021. Why Are Heart Attacks on the Rise in Young People?. [online] Available at: <https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-are-heart-attacks-on-the-rise-in-young-people/> [Accessed 14 September 2021].
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