How to prevent heart diseases among youth

By Puja Gupta New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANSlife) Heart diseases among Indians occur five to ten years earlier than in other population across the globe. According to the 2018-19 INTERHEART study, the median age for the first presentation of acute Myocardial Infarct (commonly known as a heart attack), in the South Asian (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) population is 53 years, whereas that in Western Europe, China, and Hong Kong it is 63 years. In India, the most worrying part is that heart ailments among younger people are on a constant rise.
We can easily blame this on the sedentary lifestyle and increased stress levels amongst the youth in India. The young age group of 25 to 39 years is mainly the victim of this kind of lifestyle. With the advent of technology, OTT platforms, mobile games, traditional modes of relaxation like going out with friends for a walk or sports are less common now. Lack of open space for playing, cycling or recreation in most urban centres is only adding to the problems. Most of our school curriculums also have very little emphasis on sports or physical activity.
Heart attack suffered by a Bollywood choreographer Remo D’ Souza at the age of 46 years throws light on the need for addressing cardiac concerns amongst young population.
Dr Brajesh Kunwar, Director-Interventional Cardiology, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, points out: “The minimum requirement of exercise as per guidelines is 35-45 minutes a day for four to five days a week, to fulfill the requirement of the heart and vital organs. Importantly, there is no work-life balance; the competitive culture of corporate entities has increased man hours at work leading to chronic stress amongst the youth.
“Multiple other factors like smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, Diabetes, Obesity, and hereditary factors play a major role. Smoking is a major dominant modifiable risk factor associated with young Coronary Artery Disease, patients. India is witnessing an increase in the incidence of smoking, especially among adolescents.” Also, it is important to note that our diagnostic capabilities have improved over the years. That’s another reason why we see such higher numbers. But that off course is a good part. Having said that, we must understand that there is a critical need to prevent and tackle Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) among youth by way of a lifestyle change, he adds.