(Dr. N. Khaleel)
The days when heart attacks were considered a problem for the elderly are gone now. In recent times, there have been many incidents of young people between the ages of 20 and 40 dying of heart attacks. These stories of many dreams, aspirations, and life journeys starting and ending before reaching their destination are becoming a terrifying reality. Vaishnav, son of former Union Minister Dattatreya, died of a heart attack at the age of 21. Chandramouli, son of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam former Eo Dharma Reddy, died of a heart attack while distributing his wedding cards. Film actor Tarakaratna collapsed and suffered a heart attack while attending the Nara Lokesh Padayatra in Chittoor. A student writing his intermediate exams in Telangana suffered a heart attack. He died while being rushed to the hospital. While some youths were playing kabaddi in the old town, one of them died of a heart attack. Not just one or two, but a large number of youths are suffering from heart attacks. Their hearts are getting weak even in their teens.
What do the statistics say?
Medical experts say that this situation is being faced due to changing lifestyles more than genetic reasons. A survey conducted by an organization revealed that while about seven crore people in India are undergoing treatment for heart diseases, two and a half crore of them are under the age of 35.
Unofficially, twice as many young people are suffering from heart attacks and heart problems. Currently, people under the age of 40 are dying due to various reasons, doctors say that up to 30 percent of them are dying due to heart problems.
It is worrying that even those who exercise regularly are suffering from heart attacks. It seems that the reason for this is the eating habits and pressures that young people are getting used to in a changing society. Five factors have been identified as the main causes of heart attacks in young people.
Among them, mental stress is the leading cause. In addition to education, pressure has also increased in the job and employment sectors in recent times. The pressure to achieve more than 95 percent marks has increased since the student stage.
One in every four heart attack deaths in India is among young people.
According to a 2023 study, heart-related deaths among people aged 25-40 have doubled in the last ten years.
Analysis by medical experts has shown that these numbers have increased even faster after COVID-19.
Why is this happening?
1. Lifestyle changes
In the wake of increased job, education, and social competition, young people are constantly under stress.
Working without rest, disruption of sleep at night, and irregular meals affect heart health.
2. Dietary habits
Increased consumption of ready-made, processed, and deep-fried foods increases cholesterol. High fat and sugar eating habits lead to heart problems.
Junk food love and lack of physical activity are becoming a burden on young hearts.
3. Alcohol and smoking addiction
Youth rely on these thinking they are “stress relief”. But these are direct causes of heart attacks.
4. Smartphone and screen dependency
Insomnia due to watching the phone all night and reducing sleep – this is one of the primary causes of heart attacks.
5. Genetics + neglect
Even if there is a history of heart disease in the family, not taking proper precautions is also a risk.
Mental stress – the silent killer
If pressure is put on the mind, it directly affects the heart. Constant competition, a destination to grow, and situations without job security are mentally depleting the youth. This leads to blood pressure, body stress, and ultimately heart problems.
Solutions – Responsibility for the life that is still there
Healthy lifestyle
You should make walking, yoga, and pranayama a habit as soon as you wake up in the morning.
You should be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
Dietary rules
Less oil, less salt, more vegetables and fruits should be consumed.
Regularly track water intake, sugar and cholesterol levels.
Mental health
Methods like meditation, mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress.
If necessary, there should be no sense of inferiority in taking psychological counseling.
Professional health checkup
A complete heart checkup, ECG, lipid profile and BP test should be done once a year.
Message to society:
Today, the person dying of a heart attack may be the youth next door, tomorrow it may be our family member.
Heart health does not mean just rushing to the hospital “when the pain comes”, but taking care of the pain.
This cruel reality is changing the myth that heart problems are problems that come with old age. Today’s youth should take care of their health before they knock on the third door. Do not forget the saying “A moment of delay – a life is lost”.
Your life is in your hands.
Without you, who can fulfill your dreams, your family, your responsibilities?
Conclusion:
Our body is an unforgettable machine. If you neglect it, it will not respond to you with humanity.
If you take one healthy step every day, you can live for many years.
“The heart is the beating machine of life – love it, protect it!”
(Author is Prominent Pharmacist)