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These days, heart problems are not just limited to old people. A growing number of young individuals in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s are experiencing cardiovascular problems. The rise in illnesses like sudden cardiac arrest, hypertension, and early-onset coronary artery disease among younger populations is causing a significant public health concern. Studies show that cardiovascular diseases affect Indians at least 10 years earlier compared to Europeans.
According to the Indian Heart Association, 50% of all acute coronary syndrome cases occur in men under the age of 50, and 25% occur in those younger than 40. Additionally, Indian adults aged 20–54 years experience higher ischaemic heart disease mortality rates as compared to people in the United States, China, and Europe.
Several factors are fuelling this alarming trend. In this blog, we’ll explore the common signs of heart problems, key contributing factors, and the diagnostic tests that can help in early detection and intervention.
Synopsis
Why Are Heart Problems Increasing in Young Adults?
In olden days, heart problems such as heart attacks and other heart issues were only experienced by old people. But now the chances of getting a heart attack even in the early 20s can’t be ruled out. To stay safe, it's important to understand the factors that contribute to heart problems.
The contributing factors behind this trend include:
1. Sedentary Lifestyle & Poor Diet: Young adults are living a sedentary lifestyle, spending long hours sitting at desks for work or in front of screens for leisure activities. In addition, consuming fast food and diets high in trans fats, processed foods, and added sugars can lead to metabolic disorders, which significantly increase the risk of heart disease.
2. Stress and Mental Health Issues: Younger people nowadays are experiencing extreme pressure from work, education, and social expectations, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. The body’s stress response can raise blood pressure, heart rate, cause inflammation, smoking, and poor dietary choices, all of which raise the risk of heart problems over time.
3. Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse: Despite awareness campaigns, smoking, vaping, and excessive intake of alcohol remain common in the younger population. These habits can damage blood vessels, reduce oxygen in the blood, and lead to clots, all of which increase the risk of heart problems.
4. Obesity and Diabetes: The incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes has both risen among the young generation. Both of these diseases are major risk factors for heart disease and are driven further by lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition.
5. Environmental Factors: The rise in environmental pollutants and poor air quality, especially in metro cities, is significantly contributing to the increased risk of heart diseases.
6: Undiagnosed Conditions: Young population lives with a perception that visiting doctors and getting a checkup done is needed in old age. This leads to congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, valvular abnormalities, and other heart conditions going unnoticed, weakening the heart over time and leading to heart failure if left untreated.
7. Early Symptoms: Young adults often overlook or do not recognise the early signs of heart problems, assuming they are “too young” to have heart disease. This delays diagnosis and treatment, allowing conditions to worsen silently.
Signs of Heart Problems
It’s crucial to recognise early signs of heart problems, which are similar to those of older adults. But they may go unnoticed in early stages, leading to a delay in treatment.
These include:
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Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
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Excessive tiredness or a decrease in energy
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Rapid or irregular heartbeat or palpitations
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Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
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Dizziness or fainting
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Reduced exercise tolerance
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Unexplained weight gain
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Chest pain or discomfort
Also, it's important to understand that the symptoms of heart problems in men may differ from those of women. As men are also more likely to experience "classic" heart attack symptoms compared to women, who may present with subtler symptoms like fatigue or jaw pain.
What Is the Best Test to Check for Heart Problems?
Early screening and diagnosis are crucial to prevent long-term damage due to underlying heart problems. There is no single “best” test to check for heart problems overall, as it depends on the individual’s symptoms, risk factors, and family history. The most commonly used diagnostic tests include:
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Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Helps in recording the heart’s electrical activity to detect arrhythmias or prior heart attacks.
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Echocardiogram (ECHO): This is the ultrasound of the heart that shows the structural changes and assesses heart function.
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Stress or treadmill test (TMT): This helps in evaluating how the heart works under exertion, aiding in the detection of heart blockages.
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Blood tests: Help in checking cholesterol, cardiac enzymes, glucose, and triglyceride levels that may indicate an underlying heart condition or its related condition.
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Cardiac CT or MRI: These advanced imaging tests help detect abnormalities in the heart structure or its functioning.
Always consult a cardiologist to determine which test is best for you to check for heart problems.
Prevention: How Young Adults Can Protect Their Hearts
While the statistics are concerning, heart disease is largely preventable through lifestyle modifications:
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Eat a well-balanced, heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
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Exercise regularly, including at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
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Avoid smoking, vaping, and excessive alcohol consumption
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Manage stress through mindfulness, therapy, or physical activity
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Know your family history and monitor risk factors early
Conclusion
While heart problems have traditionally been associated with older adults, the reality is different these days, as an increasing number of young people are being affected. This raises a wake-up call that your heart health matters at every age. Understanding the early signs of heart problems, making lifestyle changes, and undergoing regular health checkups to take charge of your heart health and reverse the rising trend.
If you have any concerns regarding your heart health or want to undergo a health checkup, consult our experienced cardiologists at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria.
FAQ's
Commonly seen heart problems in young adults are heart attack, stroke, congenital heart defects, developing heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Recognising the initial signs of a weak heart is essential for early detection and treatment of heart diseases. These include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular or rapid heartbeat, swelling in legs or ankles, or persistent cough, especially while lying down. These signs may be subtle, making further diagnosis challenging.
Yes, an ECG can help detect heart failure, as it reveals the signs of an enlarged heart, abnormal heart rhythms, and other electrical abnormalities. Some other tests, like an echocardiogram, may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
To assess your heart health, you can monitor your pulse and blood pressure at home. For a comprehensive evaluation, undergo regular heart health checkups and consult with a cardiologist.
You can schedule an appointment with our cardiologist at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/dhakuria/specialities/cardiology/
Contact no: 033 6907 0001
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