Young Indians at Higher Risk of Heart Attacks and Cardiac Ailments; Suggest Cardiologists at Fortis Escorts Faridabad

Young Indians at Higher Risk of Heart Attacks and Cardiac Ailments; Suggest Cardiologists at Fortis Escorts Faridabad

-Stress and Sedentary Lifestyle Key contributory factors for the upsurge-

~World Heart Day: 29th September, 2024~

Faridabad, 27 September 2024: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), mainly heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrests, have escalated in India from 25.7 million cases in 1990 to 64 million in 2023, with the World Health Organization reporting that India accounts for one-fifth of CVD deaths worldwide, especially in the younger population. Stress and lifestyle have often been cited as the reason for the increasing burden of CVDs.Doctors at Fortis Escorts Faridabad highlighted the trend and narrated instances of young cardiac patients who had suffered heart attacks, at a press briefing today held at the hospital.

Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director & HOD - Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad said, “Recently, we treated 3 young cardiac patients in the age group 30-40 years. All the patients had symptoms of chest pain and breathlessness. Soon after admission to the hospital, they were evaluated and found to have ST Elevation MI (life threatening heart attack). The patients underwent urgent angioplasty (lifesaving procedure) and are now leading a normal life. Stress and sedentary lifestyles are eminent contributors leading to an upsurge in cardiac ailments.” 

Present at the media briefing were patients who had suffered massive heart attacks at younger age and were treated at Fortis Escorts Faridabad. 

The first such case was a 30-year-old man who was presented at the hospital with chest pain and breathlessness. ECG and ECHO were conducted, which revealed that he was suffering from ST Elevation MI leading to 100% blockage in one of his arteries. A successful coronary angioplasty was done and he was discharged in a day in a stable condition. 

Second such case was of a 37-year-old man who also suffered a massive heart attack - a condition that occurs when blood flow to the heart is stopped, this leads to damage in the heart muscles. He also underwent a successful emergency angioplasty and was discharged in 2 days in a stable condition.

The third case was of a 45-year-old man who was suffered a heart attack as one of the coronary arteries was totally blocked. Since the patient was presented to the hospital within the golden period, he underwent immediate angiography and angioplasty which stabilized him and saved his life.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improve overall heart health. Here are some lifestyle changes that can help: 

• Diet: Eat a healthy diet that's high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, skinless poultry, fish, nuts, and legumes. Limit saturated and trans fats, red and processed meats, added sugars, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sodium. 
• Exercise: Be physically active regularly with moderate-intensity exercise to strengthen your heart. 
• Sleep: Get enough good-quality sleep. A lack of sleep can stress your body, including your heart. 
• Smoking: Quit smoking. Nicotine from tobacco smoke can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. 
• Stress: Manage stress. You can try setting aside time each day for meditation, reflection, or spirituality. 
• Weight: Maintain a healthy weight. Sudden weight gain or loss can be a sign of heart failure. 
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol. 
• Blood pressure and cholesterol: Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. 
• Individual factors like genetics and underlying medical conditions can affect how effective lifestyle changes are.