Why Are People In Their 30s Suffering From Cardiac Arrest?

Why Are More People in Their 30s Facing Heart Attacks?

In recent years, cases of cardiac arrest in their 30s have been increasing rapidly. In previous years, we considered that this condition is only affecting older adults, but now it is also becoming a cause of concern for the younger generation. Medical experts and health professionals are raising this issue and they wanted us to tell us about the need for lifestyle changes and awareness about our health.

Dr. Ggarima Pandde, a senior health expert at Healthians, shared her thoughts on this worrying topic. She said “It’s disturbing to see young people who should be in the prime of their health having life-threatening cardiac problems. Stress, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles are playing a major role in this rise of this cardiac arrest or heart attack.”

10 Reasons Why Cardiac Arrest May Be an Increasing Concern for Youngsters

1. Stress and Mental Health Issues
   Many young adults face chronic stress due to demanding jobs, financial pressures, and personal responsibilities. This constant tension can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and it can also increase the risk of  heart problems.
2. Poor lifestyle choices
   With the rise of remote work and desk jobs, a sedentary lifestyle mixed with poor eating habits like eating junk food all the time like pizza, burgers, momos, sugary drinks, etc may lead to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, all of which are risk factors for cardiac arrest.
3. Lack of Physical Activity
   According to the American Heart Association, regular physical activity or yoga like Surya Namaskar helps maintain a healthy heart. However, many young adults struggle to find time for exercise, which leads to cardiovascular health in poor condition.
4. Increased Screen Time
   Excessive screen time, whether for work or for some me time, can contribute to a lack of physical activity, and will lead to weight gain, and bad posture, which may indirectly affect heart health. By reducing screen time, and doing yoga can help with your bad posture and weight
   gain, as well as your obesity.
5. Smoking and Vaping
   Even though there is increased awareness smoking and vaping are prevalent among youngsters. Both of them can cause inflammation, damage blood vessels, and trigger arrhythmias, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac events. As I observed in regions like Delhi, and Mumbai young adults tend to smoke and vape more than in other states in India. These both habits are linked to increased risks of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
6. Alcohol and Substance Abuse
   Recreational drug use including cocaine and amphetamines as well as excessive alcohol consumption can cause severe damage to the heart’s electrical system, leading to cardiac arrest. Taking these medications can weaken your heart muscles, making them more vulnerable to arrhythmias and other cardiac problems.
7. Environmental Factors
   Exposure to pollution along with genetic predispositions play a role in the early development of cardiovascular issues. Genetics can increase one’s risk of electrical abnormalities, even in individuals with a healthy lifestyle. Rising pollution in states like Delhi and exposure to harmful chemicals can also contribute to cardiovascular diseases in urban populations. You should wear a mask often so that this pollution does not enter your lungs or chest, it can also lead to lung and chest infections.
8. Chronic Stress
   Work pressure, financial stress, sometimes household stress, and the constant hustle of modern life can impact heart health in young adults. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can cause long-term damage to the heart. So, to avoid this stress, you can exercise.
   Go for a walk in the morning or evening, whatever time suits you. This will help you control your stress. You can also try to meditate, which helps in controlling or preventing stress.
9. Sleep Deprivation
   Many young professionals prioritize work over sleep, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. Irregular sleep patterns and lack of rest weaken the body, increasing the risk of heart issues. Studies show that poor sleep quality can significantly increase the risk of cardiac events. You should take approximately 8 hours of sleep in order to take of your health.
10. Lack of Awareness
    Many young people believe heart disease is an “old person’s problem.” This misconception leads to neglect of preventive health measures, such as regular check-ups and heart screenings​. Regular health check-ups will help your doctor assess your risk for developing heart disease and recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help prevent it. Even if you feel healthy, getting regular heart check-ups is essential.

What you can change

The rise in cardiac arrests among young adults is a wake-up call for them. Health experts advise people in their 20s and 30s to take preventive steps to protect their heart health. “Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and routine health check-ups are simple but effective measures to prevent heart-related issues,” Ggarima Pandey advised. As awareness grows, it is hoped that young people will prioritize their health and make the necessary lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of cardiac