Why Are Heart Attacks Increasing Among Young Indians?

Sedentary Lifestyle and Poor Diet:: How much time do you spend sitting each day — working, commuting or binge-watching? Paired with a modern diet of sugary beverages, fast food and processed snacks, this combination causes obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes — all leading causes of heart attacks in youth. Lack of physical activity decreases your body's ability to burn fat and keep your cardiovascular system healthy.

Chronic Stress:: Chronic stress increases blood pressure, disrupts sleep and leads to harmful coping behaviours like smoking or overeating. Cortisol — the primary stress hormone — wreaks havoc on the cardiovascular system when elevated for too long. Managing stress for heart health is crucial.

Substance Abuse:: Smoking doubles your risk of heart disease. Carbon monoxide reduces oxygen in the blood while nicotine tightens blood vessels, overworking your heart. Alcohol damages heart muscle and raises blood pressure.

Skipping Health Screenings:: Many young adults skip check-ups thinking they're too young for high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. These "silent killers" often have no symptoms until they've already done serious damage.

Genetic Predisposition:: Indians have a genetic risk of heart disease and tend to develop cardiovascular problems a decade earlier than other ethnic groups — making preventive care especially important.

• **Chest Discomfort:** Pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the chest that doesn't go away

• **Shortness of Breath:** Difficulty breathing even without exertion

• **Pain in Other Areas:** Discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulders or back

• **Unexplained Fatigue:** Feeling unusually tired or weak without a clear reason

• **Nausea or Dizziness:** Indigestion-like symptoms or vertigo

Stay Active:: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Start small — brisk walks, yoga or dance classes all count. Exercise lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet:: Focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, fish). Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks and excess salt.

Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol:: Heart health starts improving within days of quitting smoking. Limit alcohol to occasional and moderate amounts.

Manage Stress:: Find your go-to stress relief — meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing exercises or time with loved ones. Stress and heart disease are directly connected.

Get Regular Health Screenings:: Annual cardiovascular screening can detect unchecked blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and high blood sugar — the three most common culprits behind premature cardiac deaths in India.