A few years ago, heart attacks were primarily a problem of elderly people while in youth the chances were rare. But nowadays, the number of cases in young generation has also increased to a level where we see 1 young people in every 5 cases of heart attack. According to a study by American College of Cardiology, between 2000 and 2016 the rate of heart attacks has increased by 2% every year in the young age group.
However, there is not just a single cause that leads to the heart attacks; there could be several factors that help inflicting heart attack at a young age including obesity, smoking, less physical activity, hypertension, and several others. So taking care of your young heart becomes very necessary.
Possible Causes of Heart Attack:
- Hypertension
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Substance Abuse
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Family history of heart disease
Here is the age-wise categorization of heart attack along with risk factors that usually lead to the critical heart diseases.
Heart Attacks at a Young Age
Heart Attacks Between 20s & 30s: Heart is one of the vital organs of the human body so taking care of it becomes quite necessary starting at the very young age. Having a heart attack in your 20s or early 30s is typical but possible. Remember, one’s outlook isn’t better when it comes to risk of heart diseases just because they are younger. Patients who have a heart attack in their 20s or 30s face the same risks as older patients.
Increase in high blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The number of people having hypertension at the age of around 30 is found more in comparison to other age groups. Unfortunately, just like the trend in heart attacks, the incidence of hypertension is rising faster in young adults than in older adults. High blood pressure makes your heart muscles thicken, harms your blood vessels, and increases your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Between 30s & 40s: Patients of age above 30s are also more likely to have other chronic heart diseases that significantly increase the risk of a heart attack, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Being obese has a significant influence on your risk of having a heart attack for several reasons. Obesity alone makes you more likely to have a heart attack even if you’re otherwise healthy.
Of all the things that contribute to heart attacks in people above 30s, smoking is also one of the top risk factors. The risk of a heart attack increases in direct proportion to the number of cigarettes one smokes. Smoking one pack a day more than doubles the risk for a heart attack compared with nonsmokers.
Alcohol and Drug abuse
Alcohol and substance abuse can lead to serious impacts on cardiovascular health in youth. Alcohol and drugs can damage the heart muscle, leading to heart failure or other heart-related issues. Additionally, these substances can increase blood pressure, which can put additional strain on the heart and lead to long-term damage. Drug use can also disrupt the normal heart rhythm, which can be life-threatening. The effects of alcohol and substance abuse on cardiovascular health are even more significant in young people, as their bodies are still developing and may be more susceptible to damage.
Unhealthy Diet
Unhygienic food can also contribute to cardiovascular problems in youth. Processed foods, fast foods, and junk foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, which can contribute to the development of conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and inflammation. These factors can cause damage to the blood vessels, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. In particular, the consumption of trans fats and saturated fats can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for maintaining good cardiovascular health throughout life, but it is especially critical for young people, whose bodies are still developing and need proper nutrition to grow and thrive.
When you develop diabetes at a young age you are more likely to have heart disease compared with other adults who don’t have this. The seriousness increases when your blood sugar isn’t controlled well enough to keep it within a healthy range. It’s crucial to prioritize your health by regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels, following a proper diabetes management plan, and seeking medical guidance. If you reside in the Rego Park area and require immediate assistance or have concerns about your diabetes management, consider visiting a Rego Park urgent care clinic. They can provide specialized care and support to help you maintain optimal health and manage your condition effectively.
Consult a Heart Specialist
After going through all this, one can have a clear idea about what leads to a heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases in young people. Although, people of any age group can have a heart attack but now a day, a sharp increase in young adults has made us to convey a message as awareness. If anyone feels at the risk of heart attack can consult a Cardiologist at Kailash Hospital, Noida. The hospital offers most comprehensive heart care with the use of advanced technology in the hands of highly experienced cardiologists and CTVS Surgeons.
