AIIMS-trained neurologist warns ‘heart attacks are no longer an old-age issue’; shares rising risk among 18–45-year-olds

Published on: Dec 15, 2025, 18:15:33 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Dr Sehrawat reveals that 42.6% of sudden deaths are heart-related, especially among those aged 18-45.

Heart attacks are no longer just an old-age problem. Neurologist Dr Priyanka Sehrawat explains how lifestyle, stress, and diet are putting young adults at risk.

Many of us assume heart attacks only happen to older adults, but the reality is quite different. Lifestyle, stress, and diet play a huge role, and even younger people can be at risk. Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, Neurologist and General Physician, MD Medicine and DM Neurology (AIIMS Delhi), shared on her December 15 Instagram post that heart attacks are no longer just an old-age issue and offered simple, practical tips to protect your heart and stay healthy. (Also read: Neurosurgeon with 33 years of experience shares surprising ways ‘too much sugar’ affects your brain and body )

Are heart attacks really only an old-age problem

Heart-related issues like heart attacks are increasingly affecting younger people, and this trend has been confirmed by a recent AIIMS-ICMR study. Sharing insights in her post, Dr Sehrawat highlighted key findings and the lifestyle factors behind this rise.

“Surprisingly, 57% of people who experienced sudden death were between 18 and 45 years old,” she said. “This shows that more than half of the cases involved young patients, shattering the common myth that heart attacks only affect older adults.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr.Priyanka Sehrawat (@docpriyankasehrawat)

What lifestyle habits increase risk of heart attacks in young people

Dr Sehrawat explained that the cause of sudden deaths was primarily heart-related in 42.6% of these cases. “Issues like heart blockages, electrical rhythm problems, and genetic heart disorders were major contributors,” she added.

The neurologist emphasised that lifestyle plays a crucial role in increasing the risk. “Smoking, alcohol, junk food, mayonnaise, pasta, pizza, sedentary habits, and stress all accumulate over time, putting young people at significant risk of heart attacks,” Dr Sehrawat said.

She concluded with practical advice: “Pay attention to your daily routine, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress. Small lifestyle changes today can protect your heart for the future.”

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.