Younger Generation Facing Heart Attacks Now a Decade Earlier: Dr Purohit

New Delhi/ Bhopal : In a worrying development, Indians are experiencing heart attacks as early as 35 years age, a decade earlier than in countries like  USA and UK, where the average age is 45, said Dr Naresh Purohit, Executive Member of the Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences.

Echoing his concern at an Awareness Programme On The Rise In Heart Diseases held at Divisional Railway Hospital, Bhopal on the occasion of World Heart Day- Noted Epidemiologist Dr Purohit pointed that a combination of sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and stress is contributing to a surge in cardiovascular issues among younger generations.
He averred that another emerging trend is the growing lack of physical activity among individuals, with many prioritizing work and leisure screen time over exercise.

“Regular physical activity, such as walking for 45 minutes, five days a week, is essential for heart health. However, sedentary routines are becoming the norm, contributing to the increased incidence of heart attacks in younger age groups.”he observed.

He said that asymptomatic heart diseases are on the rise in the country. He warned that heart conditions that often go unnoticed yet pose serious future risks if not addressed early.

Renowned Preventive Cardiology Expert emphasized the critical role of heart health screenings, especially in patients who show no outward signs of heart problems.
He underscored the need for personalized, preventive care when it comes to cardiac health.

“Preventive cardiology is about being proactive. Early detection, treatment, and lifestyle changes can make all the difference in reducing the burden of heart disease.” he added.

“No heart disease appears randomly. There are always underlying risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, family history, smoking, and high cholesterol.” he said

“Identifying the modifiable risk factors early allows people to take preventive action before the disease fully develops” he averred. “Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension are two of the biggest risk factors for developing heart disease. By identifying these conditions early, medics can intervene before a patient progresses to more serious cardiac issues” he said

Highlighting on the issue of asymptomatic cardiac diseases, the acclaimed physician further said that asymptomatic heart disease means no visible symptoms, but it does not mean the disease isn’t present. Many patients may feel completely fine while still harbouring underlying conditions that could lead to serious cardiac events in the future. Screening becomes crucial in these cases.

He further emphasized on proactive heart health screening with quick and simple tests, which involves – Blood pressure checks from age 20 every two years, blood glucose from age 35 every three years, and cholesterol tests from age 20 every five years.

“Cardiology experts in government medical institutions of Madhya Pradesh are now seeing 50-60% of their outpatient cases for chest pains and discomfort, coming from younger patients.” he informed.

“Furthermore, after COVID-19 infection many individuals are reporting cardiac complications like myocardial injury, arrhythmias, and myocarditis, which may lead to chronic heart disease.” he added.

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*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)

Dr.  Purohit is also Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies For Kidney Care.