Why Heart Conditions Such As Cardiac Arrest And Heart Attack Are On The Rise Among Young Adults

A technocentric lifestyle not only impacts cardiovascular health but also contributes to a range of associated issues such as obesity and musculoskeletal problems.

Heart diseases: Young adults have no time to exercise, do not practise discipline in eating, and are falling prey to fast food, all of which are contributing to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. All these accelerate the risk of heart disease at a younger age.

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By Dr Sameer Bhate

The escalating incidence of cardiac problems in young adults has become a cause for alarm, demanding urgent attention and comprehensive understanding. This surge represents a stark departure from conventional expectations, where cardiovascular issues were traditionally associated with ageing populations.

The factors contributing to cardiac problems are:

•         Sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity.
•         Unhealthy dietary habits and high consumption of processed foods.
•         Increased stress levels and pressure in modern lifestyles.

Young adults have no time to exercise, do not practise discipline in eating, and are falling prey to fast food, all of which are contributing to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. These risk factors further become more potent due to increasing levels of stress such as pressure in education, psychological problems, and social and familial issues. All these accelerate the risk of heart disease at a younger age.

The omnipresence of technology has transformed leisure activities, replacing outdoor pursuits and physical play with digital alternatives. Video games, streaming services, and social media platforms captivate attention for extended durations, limiting opportunities for exercise and movement. Additionally, the rise of remote work and virtual communication has led to a sedentary work culture, where individuals spend prolonged hours in front of screens without adequate breaks for physical activity.

This shift towards a technocentric lifestyle not only impacts cardiovascular health but also contributes to a range of associated issues such as obesity and musculoskeletal problems. Recognising the role of technology in promoting sedentary behaviour is crucial for formulating holistic approaches to mitigate its adverse effects and encourage a healthier balance between the digital and physical realms of life.

To combat the above challenge, steps need to be taken from school days. Regular health checks must be made mandatory to monitor their health.

Young professionals must have health check-ups every year. Those with risk factors of heart disease should have more aggressive testing such as computed tomography coronary scan. Monitoring blood sugar and weight is essential. Smoking and tobacco consumption are a national concern. People must be educated to understand the perils of smoking. Daily exercise must be advocated. Indulging in some sport or outdoor activity must be compulsory. 

(The author is the Head of the Department, Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad).

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