Earlier, heart attacks used to occur in adults, but now it is affecting the youth as well. Let us tell you why cases of heart attacks are increasing among the youth.
Due to today's lifestyle and deteriorating health habits, cases of heart attack or cardiac arrest are increasing rapidly among the youth. This danger, which was once considered limited to the elderly, is now visible even in the age group of 20-40. Let us know the major reasons behind this.
Lack of quality healthcare
Lack of sleep and irregular schedules impair the body's metabolism. Spending time on screens till late night, excessive use of social media or mobile games can increase blood pressure. This imbalance gradually gives rise to "silent" health issues like obesity and diabetes, which can become a major cause for heart attack.
Sedentary lifestyle and poor diet
Nowadays, young people spend more time sitting in front of their desks or mobile phones. The craze for fast food, processed snacks, sugary drinks and junk food is increasing problems like obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. All these are high risk factors for heart disease.
Constant stress
Academic, job, or social media pressure increases cortisol and adrenaline levels in the body. In the long run, this hormonal imbalance damages the arteries and increases the chances of a heart attack.
Smoking, Wasting, and Substance Use
Smoking cigarettes or venting damages arteries and increases the risk of blood clots. The caffeine and stimulants in energy drinks can suddenly change heart rhythms, especially in young people who are not aware of their heart conditions.
Unknown health conditions and genetic factors
Many young people are unaware of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or inherited heart conditions. These “silent” dangers can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
Overtraining and Fitness Misconceptions
Doing too much or an extreme workout without a medical checkup can put stress on the heart. It is important to maintain a balance between heart fitness and rest.
What do the experts say?
Renowned interventional cardiologist Dr. Harsh Mehta recently discussed the increasing cases of heart attacks at the age of 25 in a video. He said that increasing stress, unhealthy foods, and lifestyle habits among the youth such as late night screen use, excessive caffeine consumption, and lack of physical activities are becoming the major causes of heart attacks. Dr. Mehta has appealed to the youth to improve their lifestyle, exercise regularly, and reduce mental stress to avoid heart diseases.
