Written By: Longjam Dineshwori | Updated : September 2, 2021 8:36 PM IST
Image credits by: Beware of Things That Can Hurt Your Heart
The Indian entertainment industry was left in shock when Bigg Boss 13 winner and TV actor Sidharth Shukla died due to a sudden heart attack on Thursday morning. He was 40. Death due to heart attack is becoming increasingly common in young adults. We spoke to leading cardiologists in India to find out the causes of heart attack in young people, warning symptoms as well as how to reduce the risk. Here's what they say:
According to Dr Narayan Gadkar, Consultant Cardiologist, Zen Multi speciality Hospital, Chembur, the reason behind heart attack could be stress, having comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension and their arteries may not be healthy and there will be plaque build-up in them about which they may not be knowing.
"Smoking causes heart problems as it can narrow your blood vessels and strain the heart. Having high cholesterol can also invite heart problems. Moreover, many people also ignore symptoms and avoid seeking timely treatment," he said.
Young Indians are also at higher risk of facing heart attack due to genetic factors, according to Dr Ravi Gupta, Consultant Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central.
"Diabetes and increasing stress are other major causes of heart attack among young adults. Nowadays, thrombosis in the main artery due to Covid-19 is also increasing the heart attack risk," he added.
Dr Lekha Pathak, Senior Consultant, Cardiology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, also pointed out that sudden cardiac arrest followed by massive heart attack or irregular heartbeat, known as Ventricular Fibrillation of Ventricular Tachycardia, in individuals younger than 40 years, has emerged as a matter of concern in past one decade. "With rising individual earning capacity of younger generation and degrading lifestyle, youngsters are becoming prone to massive heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrest. Heart attacks are common in individuals with irregular lifestyle, excessive consummation of fast food, heavy smoking, drug or steroid abuse and strong family history of cardiac complications," the expert asserted.
According to Dr Gadkar, certain ingredients in many popular workout supplements can invite high blood pressure and other heart-related symptoms like palpitations and even liver problems. So, he said people should avoid taking any supplements without the doctor's knowledge.
"One should also avoid doing exercises that put a lot of strain on the heart. Exercise but make sure that you don't overdo it. Ask your doctor before undertaking any fitness routine," said Dr Gadkar.
"Heaviness, chest pain, breathing difficulties, unusual sweating, dizziness, light-headedness, and heart rhythm abnormalities are some of the red flags that need to be addressed on time to avoid any unfortunate incidences," stated Dr Gadkar.
However, some people have no major symptoms prior to a heart attack and people with no major risk factors also develop sudden heart attack, said Dr Gupta.
Dr Gadkar replied: Quitting smoking and alcohol is the need of the hour. So, opt for a smoking cessation program. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes a lot of berries, nuts, seeds, fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, pulses, whole grains. Use minimal oil, salt and sugar. Avoid processed, junk, oily, spicy, and canned food. Try to eat spinach, broccoli, kale, oranges, Kiwi, carrots, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like walnuts.
Drink a lot of water and say NO to carbonated drinks. Exercise daily and avoid intensive workouts. Maintain an optimum weight, go for regular heart screening and keep your cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check. Stress can also lead to a heart attack so just calm down by doing yoga or meditate every day he said.
Dr Gupta said, "Routine basic tests i.e. ECG, 2D Echo, and stress test are extremely important for young people above 30 who has hypertension, diabetes, obesity or family history of the above problems or even if you do not have any problem. 30 percent of people die within 1 hour of heart attack. Knowledge of CPR is extremely important till you receive medical assistance."
"Strain and stress of modern life is also one of the most triggering factors of heart attacks in youngsters, both men and women alike. There is an urgent need to create awareness about healthy lifestyle, routine workout regimen, avoiding alcohol, tobacco or drugs abuse and yearly or six monthly full body check-ups to avoid heart complications in youngsters," added Dr Pathak.
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