• Category: Dr Manoj Godara
• August 19, 2023

The shocking death of Siddharth Shukla, a gifted and well-known TV personality, left us all reeling. The 40-year-old actor passed away after experiencing a major heart attack.

Many people's lives are threatened by heart disease and abrupt cardiac arrest in their 30s and 40s. Let us look at what is causing heart attacks in those who are very young.

When Does A Heart Attack Occur?

An unexpected heart attack requires immediate medical attention. This condition often develops when the heart's blood supply is cut off. When the heart stops receiving oxygenated blood, cardiac muscle death sets in. However, if physicians can catch it early enough, they can reduce the damage to the heart muscles.

Patients between the ages of 20 and 30 are seeing an uptick in heart attack rates. Formerly, only older people were at risk for heart attacks. Heart attacks were unusual in those under the age of 40. One in five people with a heart attack today are under 40.  

Another worrying data that further emphasizes the issue is as follows: A heart attack is more likely in people in their twenties and thirties. This demographic had an annual 2% rise in heart attack rate between 2000 and 2016.

Just because you are young does not mean your prognosis improves after a heart attack. Patients in their twenties and thirties who suffer a heart attack are at the same risk as those in their seventies and eighties. After a first heart attack, people of any age are equally likely to die from a subsequent heart attack or stroke.

In What Ways Do People Often Put Themselves At Risk For Heart Attacks?

Some characteristics may be essential in determining whether a person may develop heart disease. Not all of them can indeed be cured or even managed. Hereditary variables may affect many generations simultaneously, whereas lifestyle factors like inactivity can affect just one.

Hypertension Is Increasingly Being Diagnosed In Young People

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular illness. Unfortunately, the incidence of hypertension is increasing more rapidly in young individuals than in older ones, mirroring the increase in heart attack rates. The risk of heart attack is raised, blood vessels are damaged, and thickened heart muscles result from high blood pressure.

Obesity And Excess Weight Have A Significant Role In Causing Heart Attacks

There are several reasons why being overweight raises the chance of having a heart attack. To begin, your heart has to work harder to support more weight. Even if your heart is in good shape, being overweight increases your risk of a heart attack. However, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are often coexisting disorders in people who are overweight or obese.  Cigarette and e-cigarette use significantly increases the likelihood of having a heart attack.

Cigarette smoking is among the most important causes of heart attacks in young people. The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your chance of heart attack. Compared to those who do not smoke, the possibility of having a heart attack is more than doubled for those who smoke one pack daily. Even while smoking cigarettes significantly increases your risk of having a heart attack, vaping does not absolve you of responsibility. Nicotine and other harmful substances in electronic cigarettes may increase heart rate and blood pressure. Compared to those who don't vape, those who do are 34% more likely to have a heart attack, according to new research.

The Heart Suffers When Someone Is Abusing Drugs

While researchers are still trying to pin down exactly how marijuana affects the heart, they do know that it speeds up the heart and increases the chance of a heart attack. However, it's common knowledge that cocaine may damage your cardiovascular system. Cocaine causes heart attacks because it speeds up your heart rate, constricts your blood vessels, and elevates your blood pressure.

Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke: Steps You Can Take

How can you make your life healthier and longer? If you have never had a heart attack or stroke, you may reduce your risk by focusing on these eight areas. They are integral to an adult's holistic health and wellness routine. Plus, they may aid in developing an effective preventative strategy in collaboration with your healthcare providers.

Risk Assessment

Cigarette smoking, renal illness, and a family history of premature heart disease are all factors that may raise your risk. You and your healthcare team can make better treatment decisions if you thoroughly understand your risk factors. Modifying one's way of living may reduce many potential dangers.

Exercise

Increasing physical activity is one of the excellent strategies to maintain health, avoid illness, and age gracefully. Adults should engage in either 75 minutes of strenuous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. If you currently engage in physical activity, you might reap even more rewards by working harder. Reduce your sitting time and increase your activity level if you are not already doing so.

Mind Your Size

Keep yourself at a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, you need to lose weight. Lessen your caloric intake and increase your activity level to get started. The BMI calculator is available for use. Discuss options for weight reduction with your healthcare provider if you need assistance.

Get Your Doses In

Your doctor may recommend statins or other drugs to manage your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure if you have a medical problem. Do not alter your usual medicine dosage without consulting your doctor first. But unless your doctor advises you to, you shouldn't take aspirin for prevention. Daily aspirin may not assist and may even be harmful (increased risk of bleeding) if you have never had a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may recommend a modest aspirin dosage if you've already had a heart attack or stroke.

Medications

Medication to reduce cardiovascular risk, such as blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering drugs, may be prescribed by a cardiologist.

Monitoring

Going in for routine tests and checkups with a heart doctor may help spot any problems early when they are easier to treat.

Conclusion

Young people are increasingly at risk of dying from heart attacks. However, taking specific measures may reduce your chances of developing heart disease or heart attack. Primordial prevention and adopting a healthier lifestyle are critical components of this strategy. Find the best cardiologist in Jaipur.