The passing away of noted actors Raju Srivastava, KK, Siddharth Shukla, and Puneeth Rajkumar due to heart issues have brought to light the significance of living a healthy lifestyle, especially taking care of the heart. These deaths have also prompted the debate on the increasing prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles, stress, depression, and other mental issues in our young generations. 

There has been a rise in heart diseases and sudden cardiac death claiming the lives of people under 30s and 40s. A heart attack is a medical emergency that occurs due to a hindrance in blood flow to the heart. As blood carries oxygen, the heart muscles begin to die in lack of it. Also termed Myocardial Infarction (MI), once considered a disease of the elderly population is getting too common even in the young population. Now one in every five-heart attack patient is under the age of 40. Between 2000 and 2016, the rate of heart attacks in the 20s-30s age group climbed by 2% every year. Timely intervention can save a person’s life. 

Most common risk factors for heart attack

• Hypertension – Lifestyle modification can help prevent it or protect against it.
• Cholesterol – High cholesterol, fatty plaque buildup, and narrowing of vessels lead to heart disease. Maintain your cholesterol levels. Encourage healthy eating.
• Obesity - Obese people require more blood to supply oxygen, hence the rise in blood pressure and heart diseases. Promote the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
• Smoking and drinking – Nicotine puts an extra burden on the heart. Say NO to smoking and drinking.

Reasons for heart attack in young people

• Lifestyle factors

• Diet

• Genetic issues

• Mental health issues (especially after the pandemic)

Coronary Heart Disease can lead to Myocardial Infarction. The increasing number of Coronary heart disease in young adults is attributed to these listed risk factors. The disease puts pressure on the cardiovascular system resulting in a heart attack. 

Some common symptoms of heart attack

• Feeling of pressure or tightness or pain in the chest or arms spreading to the neck, back, or jaw
• Abdominal pain, nausea, and indigestion
• Breathing difficulty
• Cold sweat
• Dizziness and fatigue

Prevent the risk of getting heart attacks

• Reduce consumption of packaged or processed food items, eat a heart-friendly diet, or eat a fiber-rich diet
• Reduce consumption of salt and sugar
• Physical activity is a must be it in a gym or just simple walking, maintain an active lifestyle
• Alcohol and smoking are a clear NO
• Tobacco in any form should be strictly avoided
• Routine health checkups as a part of preventive healthcare
• Yoga or meditation or any other recreational activity for relieving stress and mental health issues
• Awareness regarding red flags of heart diseases