Heart attack in young adults and teenagers: Main reasons

The news of the sudden death of a 25-year-old groom during the wedding rituals had shocked everyone. The incident that happened at Bagalkot, Karnataka, has once again highlighted the issue of heart attacks among young adults. The young man collapsed at the venue while performing the wedding rituals. Although he was rushed to the nearby hospital, the doctors informed the relatives that the groom was dead. The heart condition was revealed only in the post-mortem that was conducted later. A similar incident had also happened in Madhya Pradesh in February this year when a 23-year-old bride died on her wedding day due to a heart attack. These are some of the reasons that lead to the rising number of heart attack cases among young adults in India.

Changes in lifestyle
The growth of social media has significantly reduced physical activities in youngsters. It has also led to a lethargic lifestyle where everyone prefers to stay on the couch, scrolling through social media. Lack of proper exercise or physical activity increases the risk of heart disease. Moreover, extreme stress is also a reason that sudden heart attacks occur in youngsters.

Unhealthy diet
Youngsters and teenagers prefer eating junk food, fast food, or fried items. These foods lack essential nutrients or proteins but are high in fat and sodium. Such unhealthy eating habits adversely affect the body’s immune system and may lead to inflammation, infection, and a heart attack.
Alcohol consumption, smoking and drug abuse
Alcohol consumption, smoking and drug abuse have become common among the youth. Besides, electronic cigarettes have also become popular. Toxins like nicotine will ruin the lungs as well as block the blood vessels, which could then lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Self-treatment
Most youngsters are keen to Google their symptoms and self-diagnose diseases. Wrong medicines consumed in the wrong dosage could do more harm than good.
Symptoms
Heaviness in the chest, heartburn, or tightness could be symptoms of an underlying heart condition. These signs are often mistaken for acidity, indigestion, or gastric troubles. However, these symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, and if they persist, treatment should be sought.

Shortness of breath
Struggling to breathe without feeling heaviness or pain in the chest could be one of the early signs of heart disease. Do not ignore if you struggle to breathe while doing your routine chores or even while taking rest. Consult a doctor as soon as possible to rule out any possibility of a heart attack.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is often called the ‘silent killer’ as people tend to ignore the condition as harmless. It is important to check the blood pressure regularly as high blood pressure could put stress on the heart, causing a heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol
LDL, or bad cholesterol, leads to plaque formation in blood vessels and blocks blood flow to the heart. Cholesterol should be checked every six months to ensure that it is within safe limits. Doctors often advise changes in diet and lifestyle to control cholesterol levels.
Prolonged exhaustion
Prolonged exhaustion despite taking sufficient rest may be a sign of an unhealthy heart. Although you may be tired for many reasons, a few tests could reveal whether it is due to any heart disease.

Diabetes
Diabetes, suffered by more than 140 million people around the world, has been identified as a public health problem in India. The risk of heart disease is higher in a diabetic patient. Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels and regulating sugar intake is important to ensure heart health.
Obesity
Obesity could put pressure on the heart as it is related to high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol levels. If you are someone who struggles with obesity, make sure to consult a physician or a nutritionist to seek advice on ways for healthy weight loss.

Symptoms of the ailment
Discomfort in the chest area, difficulty breathing, exhaustion, pain in the hands, neck, chin, bones, and back could be symptoms of heart ailments. These signs may appear mild; they could even be mistaken for indigestion, tiredness or weakness in women. Having proper knowledge about the significance of heart health and undergoing routine checkups will keep your heart healthy and pumping. Routine checkups shouldn’t be ignored, especially if there is a history of heart disease in your family. Following a healthy and balanced diet is key in protecting the heart.

What's crucial
Foods that could weaken the bones should be avoided. Besides, overconsumption of antibiotics may also be dangerous for the heart. Early diagnosis of heart diseases is crucial as this step could save lives. People of all ages should exercise daily and follow a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet. Parents and society should be careful in monitoring the lifestyle of teenagers and youngsters. Teenagers who have a family history of heart disease should be extra cautious and strictly do tests regularly to ensure that their heart is in good condition.