While smokers are 10 times more susceptible to heart attack, doctors say quitting can reverse the damage to both heart and lungs
The youth from urban areas are increasingly becoming susceptible to heart attacks. It is therefore safe to say that heart ailments do not only affect a certain demographic – the middle-aged.
People in their 20s are no longer the exception, but are worryingly becoming the norm.
“Heart disease is striking the youth at an alarming rate. My youngest patient is 19,” said Dr Mukesh Parikh, interventional cardiologist at Kohinoor Hospital. Doctors say they no longer take complaints of heart pain by young people casually, especially those with a family history of heart disease.
While family history does play a huge role in predisposing the young to heart ailment, but smoking, unhealthy eating habits and stress are more commonly linked to heart disease.
“The youth are always on the lookout for success. The pressure to succeed starts at a young age,” added Dr Parikh, who says parents are responsible for applying tremendous pressure on their children.
While smokers are more susceptible to a heart attack by as much as 10 times, quitting can reverse the damage to both the heart and lungs considerably.
Dr Chetan Shah, an interventional cardiologist associated with Lilavati and Seven Hills hospitals, said, “I have performed angioplasty on patients as young as 20. Considering both men and women smoke, binge on junk food and are susceptible to stress, the age of patients suffering with heart ailments is gradually reducing.” Doctors advise the youth to maintain a healthy diet and engage in physical activity to reduce the risk of heart disease. They say smoking or dependence on tobacco products is a strict no-no.
Danger signs
- Unusual chest pain
- Unusual fatigue
- Unusual perspiration
- Unusual breathlessness
- Giddiness
- Blackouts
Risk factors
- Family history
- Smoking
- Rising stress levels
- Fatty food
- Lack of exercise
Heart of the matter
- 17.5 million: Number of people who die of cardiovascular disease each year
- 75% of cardiovascular diseases occur in low-income and middle-income countries
- 80% of all cardiovascular diseases deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes
Source: WHO
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