As World observes World Heart Day on September 29, cardiologists are drawing attention to the growing incidence of heart attacks among younger adults and urging people to focus on early prevention and regular cardiovascular health checks.
Cardiologists across India are reporting a growing number of heart attacks among people below the age of 40, including young professionals who appear otherwise healthy and have no known family history of heart disease.
Doctors say the age at which coronary artery disease is being detected in India has shifted significantly over the past decade. Estimates indicate that around 12% to 16% of coronary artery disease cases in the country occur among people under 40, with Indians experiencing cardiovascular disease roughly a decade earlier than populations in Western countries.
Ahead of World Heart Day on September 29, experts have highlighted heart disease among young adults as an emerging public health concern. They also pointed to possible consequences for sexual health in men and reproductive health in women.
“We are not just seeing more heart disease – we are seeing it arrive decades ahead of schedule,” said Dr Sanjay Chugh, Director, Cardiology, Aakash Healthcare, Delhi.
According to Dr Chugh, multiple factors are contributing to the changing pattern, including unhealthy diets, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, chronic stress and exposure to air pollution. Genetic and familial factors may further increase susceptibility among Indians to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that non-communicable diseases account for more than 60% of deaths in India. Cardiovascular disease alone contributes to nearly one-fourth of all deaths in the country.
Dr LK Jha, Associate Director and Head, Unit-II Cardiology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, said genetic predisposition plays an important role in the higher cardiovascular risk observed among Indians.
“Compared to Western populations, Indians usually have lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol, higher rates of type 2 diabetes, more belly fat, and a greater risk of high blood pressure,” Dr Jha said. He added that these existing risks are compounded by diets containing packaged and street foods that may be high in unhealthy fats.
Smoking remains another major concern among younger adults, while doctors are also raising concerns about vaping and flavoured tobacco products. These habits can damage blood vessels and contribute to processes associated with cardiovascular disease.
Dr Rajendra Patil, Consultant, Cardiology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, said trans fats are particularly concerning because of their established association with cardiovascular disease. He noted that many consumers may not be aware of the ingredients present in frequently consumed foods.
A decline in everyday physical activity is also adding to the risk. Desk-based employment, long commutes and prolonged screen time have reduced routine movement among many young adults, including those who consider themselves physically fit.
Against this backdrop, cardiologists are encouraging people to begin monitoring key cardiovascular risk factors earlier in life. Blood pressure and cholesterol checks may need to become part of routine health assessments from the 20s rather than being delayed until middle age.
Experts are also calling for greater attention to workplace stress and the cardiovascular effects of air pollution. They say preventing heart disease among younger adults will require changes in lifestyle as well as stronger awareness and early screening.
“This is not a problem we can solve just by treating patients after they arrive at the hospital,” Dr Chugh said. “We need people in their 20s to come in for heart check-ups just like they would for an eye test. That is the real culture change India needs.”
Source: newindianexpress
