Is Heart Disease More Prevalent in Young People

Dr.Amit Pendharkar, 5 mins read

Heart disease isn't just a problem for older people. It's increasingly common in younger adults. It is partly because Predisposing conditions are more in younger people
Younger people between the ages of 35 and 64 are at greater risk of developing heart disease.
It is essential to ask ourselves whether heart disease is increasing in the younger generations and, if so, what the reasons are. There is plenty of evidence to suggest an increase in heart disease, especially among the younger generation. Many factors are involved, including genetic and lifestyle-related.

Is it possible to have heart disease starting in childhood?

Yes. The Blockages in coronary arteries ( arteries supplying blood to the heart ) Start in childhood 

While heart disease isn't a leading cause of death in children and teens, it is the most common cause for adults in the United States. One American dies from a form of cardiovascular disease every 37 seconds.

Certain factors can play a significant role in the risk of developing heart disease. These are known as risk factors. Some risk factors are easily modified, treated, or changed, while others cannot.

You can control many risk factors early in life to lower the chance of developing heart disease later. Other risk factors can be passed on through the family (they are hereditary) or result from another disease or illness.

A person can develop heart disease in their 20s

Although it is rare, heart failure can occur in people in their 20s. A 2014 study that examined 20 years of Swedish data found that approximately 1% of all heart failure hospitalizations occurred among people aged 18-44.

An estimated 6.2 million Americans have heart disease. About 1.4 million of these people are under the age of 60.

According to a 2020 study, heart disease affects approximately .02-1 of every 1,000 people. Researchers also found that heart failure is rare but has increased in recent years due to unknown causes.

It is not common for people aged between 20 and 29 years to develop heart failure. Someone can develop heart disease in their 20s.

Your Heart Health could be at Risk

Many risk factors for heart disease, such as specific behaviors and conditions, are becoming more common at younger ages.

High levels of cholesterol

High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease. High cholesterol can be caused by unhealthy eating habits, hereditary and in some people, it is insufficient exercise.

High blood pressure

Millions of Indians have high blood pressure. This includes millions of people in their 40s or 50s. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and renal failure conditions.

Obesity

It's a considerable risk factor for developing heart disease. This is especially alarming considering that one in three Americans is obese. Recent studies show that obesity is associated with more than 110,000 deaths yearly in the United States.

Obesity is increasing in India, and also we are becoming the obesity capital of the world. 

Smoking

Smoking is becoming increasingly common in India. It is more relevant in our country since we have 8 out of 10 most polluted cities in the world.

Genetic factors

Indians are more likely to develop heart disease, especially in their younger years. Studies on Indians who settled overseas and compared them to the local population have proven this. Studies have shown that Indians are more likely to develop heart disease than their European or American counterparts. 

They also tend to be more likely to experience multiple heart blockages. A family history of heart disease may increase your risk. This risk is passed from both the maternal and paternal sides. These risks are not easily managed.

Lifestyle changes

Rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes are key factors in heart disease among young people. This is due to poor lifestyle choices, unhealthy food habits, smoking, stress, and other factors such as a sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise can prevent diabetes and lower blood pressure, stress, and cholesterol. 

This all reduces the risk of developing heart disease. Because of the pace of life, increased travel time, and fast pace, exercising can become a burden. A minimum of 45 minutes of brisk walking or an equivalent activity should be done daily.

Online food delivery has made junk food readily available 24 hours a day, leading to an epidemic of heart disease among the young. A balanced diet should include moderate amounts of fat. 

The rule of thumb is to limit 750ml of oil per month, salt intake between 5-6gm per day, and alcohol intake to 120ml per week. Our younger population is more stressed than ever because of changing social norms and work-related stress.

How to take control of your heart health

When it comes to your heart, you are in control.

• Manage conditions: You can work with your healthcare team to manage conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol. You can also take any prescribed medicines.
• Do not smoke: Smoking is America's leading cause of death.
• Be active: Move at least 150 minutes each week. Break down the exercise into 10-minute segments for 30 minutes per day.
• Change your eating habits to be more heart-healthy: Eat foods low in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, added sugar, and sodium. You should fill at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables and try to eat low-sodium options.
• https://aakashhealthcare.com/health-tips/cardiology-and-cardiac-surgery/reason-behind-heart-disease-among-young-people

Conclusion

It is called heart failure when the heart stops pumping enough blood to the body. Although doctors generally consider heart disease severe, it can be managed with lifestyle changes or medications.

Heart failure can occur in anyone between 20 and 30 years. Heart failure can be caused by several risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, etc.

People often experience a decreased quality of life when they have heart disease at an early age. Lifestyle changes and treatment can improve the quality of life.

Also, Read: Why is hypertension a silent killer