40 percent professional Mumbaikars have heart ailments due to stress

In a worrying trend, an increasing number of youngsters are falling prey to heart ailments. The abnormality report, released by a preventive health agency, based on people who have undergone health checkups from January 2013 to August 2014 reveals that majority of heart ailment cases have been discovered in patients below 40 years of age.

A sample size of 65,144 was studied out of which 36,748 cases were of males and 28,396 of females. The report pointed out that 58 per cent of the total cases were below 40 years of age and 28 per cent were below 30 years of age. It goes on to say that 35 per cent to 40 per cent of working professionals in Mumbai are suffering from heart ailments due to high stress levels.

"It is estimated that Indians are nearly four times more susceptible to heart attacks, with 25 per cent of those afflicted being under the age of 40, unheard of in other countries' citizens," said Dr Rahul Gupta, Mumbai-based senior interventional cardiologist.

The report points out that people below 30 years of age were not aware of the symptoms related to heart diseases. They have a tendency to ignore chest pain and uneasiness due to stress which increases the risk of heart ailments.

"High stress level along with exposure to cigarette smoking has increased heart problems by 10 to 15 per cent as compared to last year. An increase in lipid profile, hypertension, smoking, obesity, diabetes and cholesterol level among Mumbaikars are contributing to the risk of CVD. Increased consumption of junk food, processed and packaged food and less exercise has increased the risk of heart ailments," said Amol Naikawadi, joint managing director, Indus Health Plus.

The report revealed that there has been a rise of 10 to 15 per cent in cardiovascular disease among young women in Mumbai. Pollution, smoking and high stress level with sedentary lifestyle are contributing factors for heart diseases. In 2014, the theme is to encourage people to keep the environment healthy for a better heart health.

Of 5703 blood samples between the age of 20 to 30 years, analyzed by Metropolis Laboratories, in 2013 – 14, up to 1024 samples (18%) had high cholesterol levels. This increases to up to 25% between the persons aged between 30 to 40 years. High Cholesterol is a contributing factor for impending heart trouble

Tips to maintain a healthy heart

Eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.

Be physically active, even 30 minutes of brisk activity a day can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Avoid foods high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Try to limit your salt intake to less than five grams per day (about one teaspoon).

Quit smoking – Your risk of coronary heart disease will be halved within a year and will return to a normal level within 15 years.

Weight loss, especially together with lowered salt intake, leads to lowered blood pressure.

Avoid excessive alcohol - One or two drinks a day, two to three times a week is the limit

Control your cholesterol - A simple blood test can show your blood cholesterol level. If it's too high, dietary changes, exercise, weight loss, and/or drug therapy can bring it down to a safer level.

Even if your blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, have it checked at least every two years. If it's 120/80 or above, have it checked more often, according to your doctor's recommendations.

Keep diabetes or blood sugar levels in check