Everyday minor negligence makes the heart sick, learn from the doctor how to prevent it.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Heart disease is no longer a problem limited to the older generation. Arterial hardening and the resulting heart attacks are affecting younger generations, even teenagers. Sudden deaths from heart attacks are a frequent topic of discussion. We must understand that these problems don't occur suddenly; they are the result of years of neglecting our health, poor diets, and unhealthy lifestyles.

Today's generation, constantly monitoring their phone notifications, remains oblivious to uncontrolled blood pressure and the resulting diseases for years. Blood pressure and diabetes affect not only the heart but also many other organs, such as the kidneys and liver. Therefore, along with a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle, it's crucial to understand the importance of regular health checkups.

Why are heart attacks increasing among the younger generation?

The biggest reason behind the rise in heart problems among young people is a chaotic lifestyle. People are increasingly avoiding exercise and physical activity, even simple activities like walking are declining. Screen time has increased for people of all ages. This is why obesity and diabetes are plaguing people before they reach 40.

Other risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are also on the rise. People's eating habits have changed. Refined carbohydrates, trans fats, sugar, and processed foods have replaced nutritious food. Furthermore, smoking, alcohol, and other drug abuse are damaging arteries. Together, these factors impair heart function, significantly increasing the risk of disease and death.

There are many other reasons also responsible

Stress is an undesirable part of today's lifestyle, depriving people of quality and adequate sleep. Late and irregular work hours prevent people from getting physical and mental rest, negatively impacting their health. Certain genetic factors also contribute to the risk of heart disease.

Steroid use, high-protein/energy drinks, and poor fitness practices are contributing to a wide range of health problems today. Environmental toxicity is a serious challenge today. The increased use of pesticides, adulterated food, and heavy metal exposure are contributing to heart disease.

Vigilance needs to be increased regarding women's health

Due to lifestyle changes, women are also facing problems like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. They also face health challenges due to hormonal imbalances. After menopause, women lose the protection of estrogen. Women often hide problems like fatigue, shortness of breath, indigestion, and chest pain for a long time, which prevents them from getting timely treatment. This can lead to serious problems, sometimes even incurable.

Keep blood pressure and diabetes under control for a healthy heart

High blood pressure – High blood pressure often occurs without symptoms, but persistently damages the arteries.

• How it harms: It thickens and hardens blood vessel walls. This increases the risk of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries). It thickens the heart muscle, increasing the risk of heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.
• Situation in India: Nearly one in four adults suffers from high blood pressure. Approximately 60 percent of patients remain undiagnosed, and of those who are diagnosed, less than 15 percent achieve adequate control. Stress, a salt-rich diet, pollution, and a sedentary lifestyle must be addressed.

Diabetes – Excess sugar damages the inner lining of blood vessels and causes plaque to build up quickly.

• Diabetic dyslipidemia —high triglycerides and low HDL—increase the risk of heart attack. Diabetics often experience painless heart attacks. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack.
• Situation in India: India has over 230 million people with diabetes. Obesity, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity are contributing to the seriousness of diabetes in young people. If you have a heart, you have a tomorrow. Start caring for it today. Heart disease can be prevented if we get timely screenings, improve our lifestyle, and manage risk factors. Care is the real cure.

Understand the warning signs in time

• Consult a doctor if you experience chest heaviness, shortness of breath during normal activities, fatigue, increased heartbeat, frequent indigestion.
• Get an ECG if needed. Timely medication (clot-busting drugs) or angioplasty can be life-saving.
• Regular follow-up is essential, with monitoring of risk factors.
• For Indians, screening for genetic reasons should start from the age of 20-30.

Identify the risk factors for heart disease

• Regular health check-ups: Monitor blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, weight, and waist circumference.
• Medical examination- ECG, echocardiogram, treadmill test must be done in high risk individuals.
• Blood tests (blood markers, such as lipid profile) – hs-CRP, lipoprotein (a). Family history: If any of your parents/siblings have had a heart attack, be sure to get tested as well.

These habits will save you

• Balanced diet- Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, millets, dry fruits, fish etc.
• Exercise - Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily. Make time for yoga/meditation. Weight control - Keeping your BMI and waist size low reduces your risk of illness.
• Develop healthy habits – Avoid smoking and alcohol. Quitting tobacco reduces the risk of heart attack by up to 50 percent.
• Community level measures – Awareness programmes, CPR training in schools/colleges, availability of AEDs in public places are essential.

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