Introduction
It was not long ago that heart attacks were a problem faced by older adults. It was rare that anyone younger than 30 suffered a heart attack. However, now 1 in 5 heart attack patients are young adults. It is concerning as the number has only been growing. In this blog, we aim to provide the causes and risk factors addressing the issue, exploring the lifestyle and medical causes of heart attacks and will also discuss some practical prevention tips for heart attacks in young adults.
The growing concern based on current statistics
A study in 2020 revealed a shocking statistic, that heart attacks in young adults, particularly those under 40, have been on the rise. It also indicated a 2% annual increase in the number of heart attack cases among young adults over the past decade. While the number of heart attacks in older adults has decreased due to advancements in medical treatment and better awareness, young adults seem to be experiencing more heart issues than ever before.
Understanding the causes: factors behind the increase
- Unhealthy lifestyle choices of young adults
Unhealthy lifestyle choices often deteriorate overall health, affecting your heart health too. The fast-paced lives of young adults lead to poor dietary habits and a lack of physical activity, which significantly contribute to the rise in heart disease.
- Poor diet
The main cause of heart attacks among young people is eating junk, processed and unhealthy food, not maintaining a proper balanced diet. This not only affects your heart health, but over time your immune system may weaken and you might become lazy. Let’s discuss the best diet for heart health,
A balanced diet should include a variety of green vegetables and fruits in the right amount. Vegetables and fruits are good sources of minerals and nutrients, rich in fibre, and low in calories. Remember to choose fresh fruits and vegetables, not canned or packed packets with added sugars. Also, choose to eat whole grains such as brown rice, barley, and whole wheat, and avoid white breads or high-fat snacks, as these can be a major risk factor for heart attacks in your 20s and 30s.
- Smoking
Smoking is another significant factor that causes heart attacks. Despite knowing the risks and consequences smoking has on one’s health, it remains prevalent among young adults. Also, the rise of e-cigarettes or vapes is increasing the risk.
- Lack of exercise
Another lifestyle factor leading to heart attacks is lack of physical activity. According to WHO, nearly 80% of young adults in India do not get sufficient physical activity. Sitting for long hours at work combined with a lack of exercise and outdoor activities, weakens the heart and promotes weight gain, which increases the risk of heart disease.
- Stress and mental health
The competitive world has left young adults under constant pressure of doing well in society. The work-stress, financial concerns, family pressure, etc, have increased their anxiety, ultimately leading to bad mental health and stress. Chronic stress has been linked to increased blood pressure, inflammation and other health issues that directly affect the heart health.
- Obesity and overweight
The recent years have seen the prevalence of obesity among Indian adults increasing dramatically. Increased cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and increased BP are all risk factors for heart attacks in 20s and 30s, which arise due to obesity.
Medical factors behind the increase of heart attacks in young adults
While lifestyle factors contribute majorly to the rise in heart attacks among young adults, medical conditions also play a role. Let’s try and understand them,
- Diabetes
Poor dietary habits and lack of physical exercise among young adults lead to diabetes. Type 2 diabetes has become common among adults in India, which is one of the biggest risk factors of heart attacks in young adults. High blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure and cholesterol levels among young adults with poor diet and a family history of heart disease. They often do not show any immediate symptoms in the young adults and go undiagnosed in the early stages. Overtime, these conditions grow more serious, raising the chances of heart attack.
Early warning signs and symptoms of heart attack in young adults
Our body may be giving us warning signs of a heart attack, but we fail to notice. Some people experience early signs of a heart attack in the day or hours leading up to the heart attack and those indicators may be much less obvious than you might expect and are often ignored. Here are some symptoms that demand your immediate attention.
- Chest pain or angina
- Cold sweats
- Pain in jaw, neck or arms
- Fatigue and weakness without any reason
- Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
- Fast or uneven heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
How can you protect your heart? Prevention of heart attacks in young people
Making healthier choices can help prevent heart diseases in young adults. Here are some strategies for reducing the risk.
- Regular health checkups and monitoring of your health
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet
- Minimum 30 minutes of exercise every day or at least three times a week
- Manage stress and check on your mental health
- Limit Smoking and drinking
Conclusion
The increasing number of heart attacks among young people is an alarming situation for the country and calls for urgent action. However, by making conscious efforts to adopt a heart-healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity and manage stress, risk factors for heart attacks in 20s and 30s are preventable.
