Protecting youth from heart diseases

Medical experts are urging a shift towards stronger preventive care and early diagnosis as lifestyle factors combine with limited health access to threaten young hearts

Bengaluru: Karnataka is experiencing a concerning spike in heart attacks among individuals aged 25 to 45, with Hassan district alone reporting 22–24 sudden deaths within a span of 40 days.

An analysis of 24 cases revealed 10 confirmed cardiac-related deaths and 10 others deemed likely cardiac in nature, while the remaining four were attributed to non-cardiac causes such as kidney failure, accidents, and electrocution. Among the confirmed cardiac deaths, three individuals had pre- existing heart conditions.

Alcohol consumption and smoking emerged as common contributing factors, implicated in 8 and 6 probable cardiac deaths respectively. Notably, nearly 30 percent of the deceased were auto and cab drivers, suggesting occupational stress and lifestyle factors may play a role. Initial concerns linking the deaths to COVID-19 vaccination were dismissed by experts.

In response, Karnataka has man-dated autopsies for sudden deaths under 45, highlighting the urgent need to address rising heart risks. The real issues are inadequate preventive care, limited cardiac screening, and low awareness. It is said that several individuals experiencing the initial symptoms of a cardiac disease do not get treatment immediately.

In urban India, the average time from the onset of chest pain or heart symptoms to receiving treatment is around six hours, 360 minutes plus an additional 53 minute delay. This significant gap highlights the urgent need for faster diagnosis and timely intervention to improve outcomes for heart patients. Medical experts point to high stress, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, alcohol use, and excessive screen time as key contributors. “Our lifestyles are changing fast.

At least half of us likely have high blood pressure. Stress, inactivity, smoking, and alcohol combine to increase heart disease risk. To stay healthy, we must control these factors by avoiding smoking, limit alcohol, and get at least 90 minutes of exercise daily.

These steps are vital”, said Dr Charit Bhograj, Cardiologist, founder and CEO of Tricog. Unhealthy eating habits, particularly those high in processed foods and sugar, fuel obesity and diabetes, which in turn place tremendous strain on the heart.