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India is currently grappling with a concerning rise in cardiovascular disease, accounting for more than 25% of the deaths, a figure that has doubled in just the last 30 years. What’s even more troubling is that in recent years, a significant number of those succumbing to heart diseases are from the younger generation.
In 2023, the famous singer KK collapsed while performing on stage due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 53. The famous comedian, Raju Srivastava, then 58, also passed away due to a heart attack. Siddharth Shukla, a TV actor, suffered a heart attack when he was 40. While Shreyas Talpade and Sushmita Sen survived major heart attacks, reading about these incidents should leave us concerned as even younger individuals are falling victim to this silent attack.
Why is it happening?
Apart from family history and genetics, doctors attribute three main factors to the increase in youth suffering from these silent attacks:
- Lifestyle changes: Today a majority of youth have a sedentary lifestyle. Most of the working people have a desk job. Modernization and our dependence on technology have further escalated the problem. We have machines for everything, which makes our lives easier but makes us inactive. The lack of physical activity has weakened our hearts. When asked, the majority of people complain of lack of time for not being able to engage in any kind of exercise.
2. Poor dietary habits: In today’s fast world, “fast food” is always within our reach (with just a click!). People resort to precooked meals and frozen foods due to lack of time or their busy schedules. But these foods are high in saturated fats, sugars and salt levels. Whether intentional or not, these choices contribute to higher cholesterol levels and increased obesity rates in young people. Additionally, smoking and undisciplined consumption of alcohol remains a significant factor, with its detrimental impact on blood vessels and clot formation.
3. Increase in stress levels: Blame the competitive environment or the social expectations, today most of the youth is always under some level of stress. According to a 2021 survey of people aged 25-55, more than 85% male respondents agreed to be experiencing stress. Ask them the reasons? Gender socialization, Job security, providing financial stability to the family, heavy workload and lack of rest. About 50% of women respondents who agreed to be under stress found it hard to juggle between family and work. The increase in workload and work-life imbalance not only increases stress but also causes sleep deprivation which again is a major risk factor for heart diseases.
If one looks closely, these three factors are interlinked. A sedentary lifestyle often goes hand in hand with poor dietary choices. Fast food and pre-cooked meals, high in saturated fats, sugars, and sodium, become the go-to option due to their accessibility and quick preparation. Additionally, the modern lifestyle often entails long work hours, tight schedules, and constant connectivity, all of which can elevate stress levels.
An unhealthy diet can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels and disrupt hormonal changes affecting mood stability and increasing irritability or anxiety. These foods may provide a quick energy boost followed by a crash, leaving individuals feeling lethargic and unmotivated. As a result, people may be less inclined to engage in physical activity or adopt an healthy lifestyle.
When a body is under stress, it releases cortisol, which increases cravings for high-sugar or high-fat food. This can lead to emotional eating, disrupted eating patterns or mindless eating. High levels of stress can reduce the motivation and energy levels, making it harder for individuals to prioritize healthy habits or self-care practices that support overall well-being.
But this does not mean that a person who is fit, with an active lifestyle, with a healthy diet, has a healthy heart and circulation. People who show no symptoms, or very mild symptoms which are easily left undetected may suffer from silent heart disease. Women, in particular, often consider themselves as the caregivers, and ignore any symptoms or discomfort. It is, therefore, essential for everyone to make routine checkups a habit. It is also important to be aware of your family history. Early detection always helps in controlling and treating these conditions and avoid worsening the conditions.
Signs to observe
It is important to be aware of certain signs that could indicate a heart issue. It is important to seek medical attention if you notice any of these signs:
- Chest pain or discomfort, often in center or left side of the chest.
- Pain or discomfort in the Jaw, Neck or Back.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both Arms or Shoulders.
- Shortness of breath.
- Feeling weak or dizzy, and breaking out in a cold sweat.
- Nausea, vomiting or unexplained tiredness.
Conclusion
Remember our heart is constantly working. It works day in and day out. And it demands our attention and care. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often forget to listen to the beautiful rhythm it is playing. By consciously integrating certain habits into our daily routine, we can contribute to improving our heart and overall health.
- Dedicate at least 30 minutes every day to physical activity. Start by choosing to go by stairs or walking up to that nearby store. Try running, bicycling, dancing or swimming.
- Have Salt, Sugar and Fats in moderation. Include whole grains, fruits and vegetables in your diet. Avoid processed and fast food as much as possible.
- Quit smoking. Limit the alcohol consumption.
- Get regular health checkups to monitor overall health and catch potential risks early on.
- Keep track of your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels to prevent complications associated with these factors.
- Practice mindfulness, meditation or yoga to control stress levels and improve mental well-being.
- Take ample rest. Disconnect from the screens before your bedtime to improve the quality of sleep.
Take time to listen to your heart. Take control of your physical and mental well-being and you will always hear it say “Thank You”.
Very well presented and informative
Nice read 👍🏻👍🏻