Rising number of cardiac issues among B'luru's youth, a cause of worry

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Bengaluru is witnessing a concerning trend with an increasing number of youngsters falling victim to cardiac issues.

Even individuals who appear outwardly healthy are succumbing to heart-related problems, raising alarms about the overall cardiovascular health of the city's youth.

A recent incident involving the untimely demise of Anil Kadsur, a 45-year-old fitness enthusiast and avid cyclist, further highlights the gravity of the situation.

Anil Kadsur, a fitness trainer renowned for cycling 100km daily, proudly shared his achievement of completing 42 consecutive months of century rides, totalling an impressive 1,250-century rides.

However, his sudden death due to a heart attack on February 2 has left the community in shock and prompted a closer examination of the factors contributing to such incidents.

Divakar Bhat, Consultant in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru expressed concern over the rising cases of sudden collapses and fatalities among the youth.

He pointed out that many individuals, particularly those engaged in sports like badminton, football, and marathons, are experiencing cardiac issues, despite an increasing awareness of fitness.

Dr Bhat emphasised that much of the fitness knowledge circulating is selftaught, often derived from unreliable sources such as “Doctor Google” or unqualified fitness enthusiasts.

The recent Mumbai Marathon, where two participants lost their lives and 22 were hospitalised, further underscores the potential dangers associated with intense physical activities.

Dr Bhat, drawing on his experience as a cardiac surgeon, highlighted that complications arising from extensive physical exertion during marathons, sports, or workouts can lead to serious heart-related problems, strokes, and even fatal cardiac arrests.

He shared, “Negligence and carelessness were identified as contributing factors to the deaths of the two marathon runners. An autopsy of a deceased 40-yearold man revealed that there was 80% blockage in one of his main arteries.”

A series of tragic incidents such as these, along with the passing of popular Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, serves as a wake-up call for youngsters to prioritise their health and not take their fitness lightly.

With youngsters these days placing more focus on being physically fit, medical experts advocate for regular check-ups before undertaking strenuous physical activities.

Dr Bhat suggests, “Listening to the body's signals, such as chest pain or irregularities, is crucial. A comprehensive check-up, including a treadmill test, after the age of 35, can reveal potential blockages before they escalate into more severe heart issues.”

He added, “While enjoying physical activities like running marathons is commendable, it is essential to pause and seek medical attention if any discomfort arises.”

Dr Bhat stresses the importance of annual check-ups, especially for individuals with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, a history of heart attacks, or tobacco use.

A proactive approach to health, including regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet, can significantly contribute to a fulfilling life.