Heart diseases are rapidly increasing in the country, and now one in every four patients is under the age of 40. According to doctors, the main reasons for this are poor lifestyle, stress, junk food, obesity, and lack of sleep. Experts suggest that everyone should undergo an annual heart check-up after the age of 30.
Heart attack: In India, the risk of heart disease is rapidly reaching young people. According to doctors, now one in every four heart attack patients is under 40 years of age. Dr. R. S. Sharma, a cardiologist at Shelby Hospital, Jabalpur, states that changing lifestyles, mental stress, junk food, obesity, and lack of sleep are the main reasons for this trend. More than 80% of patients arrive at the hospital late, which increases the risk to life. Experts advise that this risk can be significantly reduced through daily exercise, a balanced diet, and regular heart check-ups.
Why are heart disease cases increasing?
In the past decade, there has been a manifold increase in heart-related disease cases in India. Cardiologists explain that the biggest reason for this is significant lifestyle changes. Nowadays, physical activity among young people has decreased. The habit of working on computers or mobile phones and sitting for hours has reduced physical activity. Additionally, the growing habit of consuming junk food and processed foods is proving to be extremely harmful for the heart.
Mental stress and lack of sleep have also emerged as major causes. According to experts, the risk of heart attack doubles for people who sleep less than 6 hours daily. Work pressure, target-related stress, and the rush of personal life have placed a heavy burden on the hearts of young people.
Doctors' warning: Do not ignore early symptoms
Consultant Cardiologist Professor Dr. R. S. Sharma of Shelby Hospital, Jabalpur, states that one in every four patients he sees is under 40 years old. He says the major problem is that people do not take the early signs of a heart attack seriously. Symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, or tingling in the hands are often dismissed as normal.
Dr. Sharma explains that approximately 80 percent of patients arrive at the hospital late. In such cases, the damage already done to the heart cannot be reversed. He added that the lack of awareness among young people is the biggest challenge.
Obesity, stress, and diabetes are becoming major causes
According to experts, increasing obesity and irregular eating habits are at the root of heart disease. Cases of diabetes and blood pressure are rapidly increasing in India, which weaken the heart. Previously, issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol were observed in older adults, but now young people aged 25–35 are also struggling with these diseases.
Dr. Sharma states that habits of junk food, smoking, and alcohol consumption have rapidly increased among young people. All of these weaken the heart's blood vessels. Additionally, mental pressure and lack of sleep adversely affect heartbeats.
Looking fit is not always being healthy
Doctors say that many young people today appear fit externally, but internally, their bodies are struggling with stress and an unbalanced lifestyle. Going to the gym or building muscles does not mean the heart is healthy. Heart health is related to a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular check-ups.
Growing challenge for young people
Looking at the increasing heart attack cases in the country, it is clear that this disease is no longer limited to older adults. Doctors believe that everyone should get an annual heart check-up once they cross the age of 30. This step can help in identifying the disease in time.
