Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases often go unnoticed in children and young adults due to their traditional association with older individuals. This lack of awareness frequently leads to undiagnosed cardiovascular conditions in young people, resulting in severe health complications and, tragically, even fatalities. The primary driver of these heart diseases in our country appears to be the escalating epidemic of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
On the occasion of World Heart Day, doctors of Amrita Hospital, Kochi raised concern over the shifts in heart disease trends among young adults. They highlighted a significant increase in cardiovascular cases, including heart attacks, affecting both young men and women, causing widespread concern. Doctors emphasized key factors linked to heart attacks in young people, aiming to raise awareness among both youths and their parents and promote overall physical and mental well-being.
“Diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are the silent culprits behind a surge in youth heart attacks. It is crucial to share that everyone can be equally predisposed to these conditions. Identifying risk factors through regular check-ups, especially after reaching 40 or 45 years of age, is essential. Alongside raising awareness, it is vital for everyone to recognize these risk factors and adopt a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Hisham Ahamed, Associate Professor and Consultant Cardiologist, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, said in a statement.
Lifestyle factors and other comorbidities undoubtedly play a significant role in this scenario. Nevertheless, individuals with a strong family history of heart disease, particularly when it manifests at a premature age, should maintain heightened vigilance, and take proactive measures.
“We observe numerous young patients, including athletes, with heart disease linked to strong genetic factors, such as atherosclerotic disease that often leads to heart attacks and myocardial infarctions, particularly in families with a history of it. Our approach involves genetic testing for precise risk assessment and intervention, incorporating medication and lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, cardiomyopathies like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy significantly contribute to sudden deaths, especially among athletes and those under 45 years old. Given the hereditary component of heart disease risk factors, it is imperative to proactively undergo preventive assessments and screenings to identify and address potential risks, thereby prioritizing heart health to mitigate the impact of family history on overall well-being,” Dr. Hisham Ahamed emphasizes the importance of genetic factors in heart disease risk said in a statement.
Moreover, cardiologists at Amrita Hospital in Kochi have also highlighted an additional factor contributing to heart problems—an increasing prevalence of depression. Depression is often overlooked in both urban and rural areas and has emerged as a significant risk factor for heart diseases, particularly coronary conditions such as heart attacks.
Health experts advocate adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle which involves focusing on nourishing foods, eliminating tobacco use, and making physical activity a daily priority. Regular health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, lipids, and mental health check-ups, are crucial for early detection and management of heart disease risk factors.
Timely intervention and preventive measures are essential in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Proactive screening is recommended for individuals of all ages, as it plays a significant role in maintaining heart health, they emphasised.
