Early Signs of Heart Disease: The risk of hardening of arteries is increasing rapidly among young people, do not ignore these symptoms.:Causes of Arterial Stiffness: Diseases that used to affect people after the age of 50 are now affecting even young people as young as 30. Let us explain why this is so.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Heart disease was once generally considered a problem of aging. It was believed that the risk of artery blockage or heart attack increased only after the age of 50 or 60. But this picture is slowly changing. According to doctors, many people are now showing signs of aging in their arteries around the age of 30. Let us explain why this is happening.

Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Normally, they are flexible and smooth, allowing blood to flow freely. However, when they gradually harden, blood flow is affected. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

What do experts say?

According to Dr. Mukesh Goyal, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery expert at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, cases of hardening of the arteries have been increasing at younger ages in recent years. He says that previously, such problems were typically seen in people in their 50s or 60s, but now, due to changing lifestyles, signs are appearing even in their 30s.

Changing lifestyle is a major reason

Experts believe that modern lifestyles are a major factor in this. Long hours of sedentary work, stressful work environments, irregular sleep patterns, and excessive consumption of processed foods can gradually impact blood vessels. Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and poor eating habits also increase the risk of premature aging of arteries. Sometimes, this problem doesn't initially cause any major symptoms. However, there may be some signs that need attention, such as persistently high cholesterol, even slightly elevated blood pressure, fatigue, or shortness of breath with little exertion. If there's a family history of heart disease, the risk may increase further.

How can you protect yourself

For this reason, doctors now recommend heart health checkups at an early age. Cholesterol testing, blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, and other tests, if needed, can detect early changes in the arteries. Fortunately, this process can be slowed down by making lifestyle changes at an early stage. Taking a daily walk or exercising, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, reducing salt and processed foods, avoiding smoking, and getting adequate sleep are all considered beneficial for heart and artery health.