Heart attack in young people: What you need to consider?

Alert: “You may be fit but not necessarily healthy!”

The word fitness is being used as an umbrella term nowadays and we assume mere physical fitness as a way towards a healthier self. But the truth is, to be fit; you need to focus on other aspects including healthy nutrition, mental stability, and social well-being.

Just because your smartwatches show you are leveling up in the fitness game doesn’t mean you are actually healthy. Being disease-free either isn’t the right idea of good health you should perceive.

Heart attack in young age: Who’s the culprit?

Cardiac arrests were once considered as an old man disease but the dynamics seem to have changed over the period of time. According to research, sudden cardiac arrest is becoming a leading cause of death in young adults.

We live in a country where diabetes, high blood pressure & cholesterol are common health issues. At times, it becomes hard to tell what the real problem is. But here’s what can increase the chances of a heart attack-

#1. Busy schedules, long working hours, and peer pressure in professional life barely give people space to pay attention to their personal health.

#2. To cover up the stress of a high-voltage lifestyle, young adults especially, find a temporary escape by adopting abusive habits like smoking, alcohol, unrestricted supplements (leading to arrhythmia), and drugs without knowing their adverse effects.

#3. Don’t avoid family history! It might increase your risk of developing heart disease in various ways. You could've inherited genes that cause heart disease.

According to research, the top 10 causes of a heart attack in young people are:

1. Substance abuse or excessive alcohol use.
2. Smoking
3. High Blood Pressure
4. High Cholesterol levels
5. Sedentary lifestyle
6. Diabetes
7. Poor diet
8. High Stress
9. Lack of sleep
10. Genetic  Factors

Related: Learn how to do CPR in case of a heart attack

Fads are not as great as you think they are

In today’s era, everyone wants to achieve good results but rarely anyone wants to work hard for it. Everyone needs something ‘instant’ or a shortcut to fulfill their dreams. Everything in this universe that’s not accomplished in its correct order has repercussions.

Fad diets can make you gain muscles or drop your weight in a short time but did you know the dangers of such diets or exercise routines?

Quick fixes aren’t as great as you think they are, because they cause-

• Dehydration & constipation
• Weakness and fatigue
• Inadequate vitamin and mineral intake
• Strokes or cardiac arrests

These 'fads' may provide short-term results, but they do more harm than good, they deprive you of the vital nutrients that only a balanced routine can offer.

What can be done?

Young adults who have slightly above-normal blood pressure or high cholesterol should consider making changes in their diet. Begin by limiting the intake of saturated and trans fats, and try to stay active because it matters for your health.

If you're someone who smokes, commit to quit before it's too late.

Stress is an inescapable part of life, but how you manage it can make a big difference. Take out some time to practice yoga or meditation. Browse guided videos on the Wellness Tv curated by wellness experts. It helps decrease stress and anxiety, which can lower heart rate and blood pressure by dropping level of harmful hormones in the body.

Bottom line

The lifestyle choices you make can have long-term health consequences. Additionally, regular check-ups can help anticipate the risk of heart diseases. Consult a doctor on The Wellness Corner or get yourself tested by opting Heart Health Comprehensive Package to keep an eye on your current health status, so that you can minimize the risks by making relevant changes in your lifestyle. Track your mood on The Wellness Corner app, and learn how external factors, such as diet or lifestyle affect you. The sooner you know, the better it can be managed.