Why are more Indians in their 30s and 40s getting heart attacks? Doctor explains the rising risk and what you can do

More Indians are having heart attacks in their 30s and 40s. Here’s what the doctor says about the rising risk.

In the past decade, when a person of 35 years had a heart attack, it was quite rare. Today, it is no longer an exception. In every emergency department in India, cardiologists have started seeing a growing number of patients in their 30s and 40s who suffer from serious coronary blockages, cardiac arrest, and heart attacks. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vijay D’Silva, medical director, White Lotus International Hospital, and clinical advisor and mentor, Heartnet India, decodes the growing risk among those in their 30s and 40s.

The lifestyle mismatch

According to Dr Vijay, overwork, constant stress, lack of sleep, unhealthy eating habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sitting around too much- all this has now become quite normal for millions of people living in India. The top cardiologists have warned that stress, insufficient sleep, and consumption of processed food or alcohol could be the major causes of heart attacks among Indian youth.

There is evidence that Indians tend to store visceral adipose tissue and exhibit metabolic abnormalities at a much lower body mass. (Pexel)

“South Asians have a higher genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease and often develop it 5–10 years earlier than many Western populations,” highlighted Dr Vijay. There is evidence that Indians tend to store visceral adipose tissue and exhibit metabolic abnormalities at a much lower body mass. This is the reason why an individual with ‘normal’ body mass may still be at a significant risk for cardiovascular disease.

Why prevention must start at 20 and not 50

The biggest misconception is: “I am too young to have heart disease.” This sometimes leads to undetected heart symptoms. In the Indian population, cardiovascular screening must start as early as age 20, especially when there is a family history of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, and stressful life.

Smoking, alcohol consumption, and sitting around too much- all this has now become quite normal for millions of people living in India. (Unsplash)

A simple test is the measurement of blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipids, along with waist circumference; if necessary, an ECG screening can help us identify risk years before the actual heart attack occurs. The real problem is not just rising heart attacks among young Indians, but the warning signs that often go unnoticed.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.