Why Youngsters Are Becoming A New Target For Heart Attacks????

2022-12-31 11:43:09

There has been a substantial increase in deaths due to heart attacks in India. Over the last 10 years, this number has almost doubled. Amongst which almost 50 % cases fall under 50 years of age group. This is very shocking and saddening to know that the younger generation is facing the wrath in its prime of life. And the reason came out to be none other than the sub-standard way of living.

We are living in a technology-pro world where, due to sedentary lifestyles and stress, many youngsters are developing lifestyle disorders like hypertension, high cholesterol, heart blockage, etc. Due to a hectic work life, managing a healthy routine seems like a far-fetched dream today.

Many recent happenings of cardiac arrest in young celebs, had, healthcare professionals question the quality & standard of life we are maintaining today. Not just that, but also, COVID infection and post COVID complications are known to cause multiple instances of heart attacks in younger generations.

Covid and Heart concerns

COVID-19 infection has been believed to cause multiple complications in the body and heart. This infection primarily infects the lungs, increasing the body's demand for oxygen as well as its reliance on and workload of the heart, which multiplies rapidly, causing heart attacks in severe cases. It has affected both younger and older generations, but the ratio was higher in people under the age of 40.

Impact of Vaccine

COVID vaccine is not believed to prevent heart attacks directly. But since its usage, viral impact on the body has decreased, and many people could be prevented from having infections in general, preventing heart attacks due to pandemic attacks.

Reason for Heart Attack

Excessive fat & cholesterol build up in coronary arteries & veins narrows down the passage space. As a result, the heart muscles don’t get enough blood flow. This process is known as Atherosclerosis means the narrowing & hardening of vessels due to ‘plaque’." When plaque breaks up in blood, it forms a blood clot. This blood clot can cause blockage of blood from arteries to the heart muscles, causing damage to the heart. This causes a heart attack.

Causes

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common cause of major heart attacks. This is caused by blockage of one or more major arteries that supply blood to the heart. Due to cholesterol deposition on the walls of arteries, ‘plaque’ builds up which causes narrowing of the passage. Gradual narrowing leads to blockage, which may cause a heart attack and sudden death as well. Common causes for building ‘plaque’ are-

• Poor lifestyle routine
• Alcohol intake & smoking
• Stress
• Obesity/Overweight
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Drug abuse
• Lack of exercise
• Excessive workout
• Excessive intake of junk food
• Family history
• Congenital anomaly
• Chest injury
• Heart muscle thickening

Symptoms

Heart-attack may present in various symptomatic forms. Sometimes the symptoms are severe, other times mild, and sometimes there are no symptoms at all. The commonest symptom reported globally for instances of heart attack are ‘Chest Pain’. But there can be many other symptoms as well that can be confused with other concerns. Hence heart attacks are commonly mis-diagnosed especially in young people. These include-

• Squeezing pain in chest with tightening, aching
• Pressure in chest region
• Difficulty Breathing
• Shortness of Breath
• Excessive Cold Sweating
• Blurry Vision
• Dizziness
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Loss of Consciousness

What should be done to prevent this?

A healthy lifestyle is required for a healthy heart. Things that can be helpful are:

• Limit smoking & alcohol intake.
• Increase optimum physical activity.
• Avoid tobacco use.
• Keep vitals, i.e. BP, blood sugar, and cholesterol, in check.
• Eat a fiber rich and healthy diet.
• Weight loss is suggested for obese people.
• Regular exercise like breathing exercise or brisk walk for 30 min daily can be beneficial
• Avoid heavy meals & processed foods.
• Limit the amount of refined flour and refined sugar in your diet as much as possible.
• Meditate to manage day-to-day stress.

Early detection of signs & symptoms has been proven effective in preventing fatal incidents due to heart attacks. Hence, preventive methods should be taught in school. A proper education system should be set up to educate people and generate awareness.

There are multiple diagnostic tests that can be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring the heart's health-

• Checking cholesterol levels on a regular basis
• Tests like Electrocardiography (ECG), Echocardiogram (Echo), CT-CAG (angiography) can help in early detection.
• Blood tests like checking troponin level in blood can guide about the heart damage.

Vedobi has brought a herbal solution for managing BP & cholesterol naturally & efficiently with the help of Ayurveda. Products like BP Norma & Cholenterol Lotion have been very efficient in managing heart associated symptoms like high or low blood pressure & disturbed cholesterol levels. Natural herbs like Arjuna, Amla, Chirata, Neem, Colocynth, Periwinkle, Moringa, Flaxseeds are not only safe but healthy choices in improving these issues.