Heart health: Reasons for increased cardiac issues in younger people

Heart health is one of the most important aspects of one's health and well-being. However, the modern professional's life has led to various habits that lead to heart problems early in life. It is no surprise, then, that young people in their mid-20s are showing concerning signs of cardiovascular issues and are at higher risk of heart attacks than ever before.

Here are a few of the most commonly seen risk factors of heart disease in young people, as follows.

Chronic diseases

Type-2 diabetes, often a result of an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity; and hypertension, also called high blood pressure, are commonly associated with higher risks of heart attacks, regardless of age.

A long-term study found that 30% of people who were hospitalized for heart attacks were between the ages of 35 to 54 years. Moreover, this younger group of people also showed higher rates of hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, women seemed to show symptoms of these conditions more often than men.

On average, it is accepted that regular exercise extends one's life and lowers the risk of heart-related issues in people of all ages. Regular exercise also helps keep blood sugar levels in check.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is now considered a crucial cause of heart attack and sudden death in younger men and women who don't present with other risk factors for atherosclerosis, which causes a spontaneous tearing of the coronary artery wall, which impedes blood flow to the heart muscle. It is considered to be one of the most common causes of up to 35% of heart attacks in women below the age of 50 years, as well as the most probable cause of heart attacks associated with pregnancy.

Heart abnormalities

Heart irregularities are a risk factor for unexplained heart attacks and cardiac issues in younger people. Two such heart conditions are:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - This is a genetic condition that causes the enlargement of heart muscle cells, causing the walls of the ventricles to become thicker. As of now, it is believed to be the most common and probable cause of unexplained cardiac arrest in younger athletes.
• Kawasaki disease - This is a rare disorder usually discovered in childhood, which causes intense inflammation of the blood vessels. When coronary arteries are afflicted, the heart is often deprived of oxygen-rich blood, leading to an unusually rapid heart rate, known as tachycardia, inflammation of the heart muscles, and heart failure.

Sleep habits

Irregular sleep habits can affect the body's circadian rhythm and ability to heal and grow. Bad sleep habits are often a contributing factor to heart-related illnesses. Sleeping and waking up at a regular time every day can help keep blood sugar levels in check, regulate the body's natural health and also reduce risks of mental health issues such as depression and chronic anxiety.

In closing

Preventing cardiac issues in younger people is usually no different than preventing diseases in their older counterparts. The most commonly recommended ways to keep the heart healthy are:

• Maintaining a healthy diet.
• Having a regular exercise routine.
• Scheduling regular medical check-ups.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.

The best way to stay healthy and live a fulfilled life is to make sure that our lifestyle habits complement our health goals and help us stay fit, regardless of our age.

Watch a short video by Dr Lavanya Aribandi, CMO, ekincare, on using digital health platforms to keep track of your cardiovascular health.

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