A concerning trend in recent years has been the rise of heart attacks among youngsters. Heart disease is a leading cause of death globally, and during the past five years, its incidence has increased in India.
In a conversation with Dr Dibyaranjan Behera from AMRI Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, he sheds light on the factors that contribute to the concerning trend of heart disease and provides essential dietary tips for maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Dr Behera says, Heart attacks were previously believed to affect only older individuals, but now they are affecting every other young person between the ages of 30 and 40. Several factors contribute to this health risk, including inactivity, stress, smoking, drinking, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
The modern lifestyle has brought remarkable advancements, but it has also brought an increase in sedentary behaviors, poor dietary choices, and heightened stress levels. Young people are now more prone to unhealthy habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a lack of physical activity, and indulgence in processed, high-calorie, and nutrient-poor foods.
Other factors include a family history of heart attacks, a sedentary lifestyle, use of certain medications, and substance abuse.
These factors collectively contribute to the escalation of cardiovascular risk factors in the young population.
Obesity, a prevalent issue among young individuals, has emerged as a major risk factor for heart attacks. Excess body weight places undue strain on the heart, leading to high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance.
Additionally, abdominal obesity is particularly hazardous as it promotes inflammation and alters metabolic functions. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise is crucial to reducing heart attack risk.
Moreover, individuals coping with stress may resort to unhealthy eating habits as a form of comfort, exacerbating the risk of heart attacks.
Therefore, stress management techniques, such as mindfulness practices and regular physical activity, are indispensable for maintaining a healthy heart. Stress management should be a subject in student’s education.
Embracing a heart-healthy diet can help mitigate cardiovascular risk factors and promote overall well-being.
It will be imperative for each and every one to stay healthy and adopt heart-friendly habits. Try to exercise daily and do any activity of your choice for at least 30 minutes, eat a nutritious diet and avoid junk, oily, processed and canned food, and reduce the salt intake. It is the need of the hour to check blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels from time to time as suggested by the doctor. Do not skip your diabetes and blood pressure medication. Stay stress-free by doing Yoga or meditation and go for cardiac screening as per the doctor’s suggestion.
The surge of heart attacks among young people and youths is a serious concern that demands attention and immediate action. A combination of unhealthy lifestyle habits, poor dietary choices, and chronic stress contributes to this alarming trend.
By adopting a heart-healthy diet and making positive lifestyle changes, we can empower the young generation to safeguard their cardiovascular health and lead vibrant, fulfilling lives. Remember, a balanced diet and regular exercise not only protect the heart but also lay the foundation for overall well-being and longevity.
