Heart Diseases On A Rise In Young Indians; Risk Factors You Should Be Aware Of – TheHealthSite

Reports suggest that Indians are at a higher risk of developing heart diseases at a younger age. Dr Tilak Suvarna from Asian Heart Institute explains the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in young Indians.

Written by Arushi Bidhuri | Updated : August 13, 2021 11:42 AM IST

The Indian healthcare system has been suffering, and it became evident in the Covid-19 pandemic. And at the centre are non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are posing a far greater threat than any communicable condition. CVDs have emerged as the leading cause of mortality in the last decade. A study published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research found that Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) strikes at a younger age in India, with over half of all cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths happening in those under the age of 50.

Although studies suggest several different risk factors, we asked Dr Tilak Suvarna, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai, to tell us why there is an increase in heart diseases in young adults in India. Here's everything you need to know.

According to Dr Suvarana, "on an average, Indians get a heart attack 8-10 years earlier than other ethnic groups. It is estimated that 40 per cent of people in our country who develop heart attacks are under the age of 55 years."

There are certain risk factors that uniquely increase the risk of having heart disease in young Indians. These include:

Hereditary or family history of premature heart disease. The genetic makeup of Indians is such that it makes them more prone to develop heart disease at a younger age.

Individuals with a family history of high cholesterol also manifest heart disease at a younger age.

Smoking or tobacco consumption, which is highly prevalent in India and leads to inflammation in the heart arteries resulting in heart attacks.

Stress, as a result of the modern lifestyle, seems to afflict youngsters more, and they seem to be less capable to cope with it.

Sedentary life and physical inactivity. Increasing urbanization and long working hours have deprived young Indians of doing exercise, thus increasing the risk of heart disease.

Besides the above risk factors, other conventional cardiac risk factors have shown an alarming increase in prevalence in Indians at a younger age than before. These risk factors include:

Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a metabolic disease characterised by excessive blood sugar levels. Insulin transports sugar from the bloodstream into your cells, where it is stored or utilised for energy. Your body either does not create enough insulin or can't utilise the insulin it does make properly if you have diabetes. It can harm your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs if left untreated.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common disorder is a prevalent health problem that affects millions of individuals across the world. It is regarded as a silent killer since the disease's signs are readily overlooked. The tremendous force of blood against the arterial walls might damage blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular problems if it goes undetected. It can, however, be controlled with the correct diet and other lifestyle changes.

It is a complicated illness characterised by an excess of body fat. Obesity is more than an aesthetic issue. It is a medical condition that raises your chance of developing other diseases and health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain malignancies.

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Heart Diseases On A Rise In Young Indians; Risk Factors You Should Be Aware Of - TheHealthSite