In recent times, we heard of so many people in their 20s, 30s and 40s dying of heart attacks. Doctors, too, are concerned about the alarmingly increasing figures of people in their younger age dying of heart attacks. Young and heart attack aren’t terms we typically hear together. However, the younger generation seems to be at a higher risk according to recent studies. Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack is also known as cardiac arrest, which means the heart stops functioning completely. It is also known as myocardial infarction in medical terms. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart reduces to such an extent that the heart muscles are not able to function. The blood flow usually reduces due to a blocked or narrowed artery.
The extent of damage to the heart depends on the area of the heart affected and the time taken between the attack and treatment.
What causes sudden cardiac death in young people?
The new generation as we know, consumes a larger portion of carbs in their diet and moves too little since most of the work carried out is on the desk. Even if they exercise, they may succumb to unnatural forms of weight loss techniques and in turn harm their physiology rather than do good.
With higher amounts of fats and a sedentary lifestyle, come lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Arteries tend to pile on excessive fats leading to the narrowing of the blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the heart. Over time, if no change in lifestyle habits is made, the heart muscles are severely deprived of oxygen and they become damaged. This leads to a heart attack. Some other factors that may cause a heart attack in the young include:
- Substance abuse
- Alcohol intake
- Smoking
- Mental health issues
- Family history of heart attack
- Blood vessel tears
- COVID-19
- High cholesterol levels
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
Does heart attack show any warning signs in the young generation?
A heart attack shows different signs in different individuals. For many, it could feel like pain, pressure, or a burning sensation in the chest. And for others, it could begin as pain in the jaw for several weeks that may go unnoticed. Research even suggests that heart attack symptoms may be different for women, and may include:
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cold sweats
- Fatigue
- Pain in the left side of the body, especially the chest
- Breathlessness
How can you prevent a heart attack if you are young?
The biggest issue with preventing a heart attack is not knowing you’re at risk. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to manage it. Just because you have work pressure, doesn’t mean you let the pressure in your vessels rise. Don’t put your life at risk and take a step towards maintaining good health. Consult a doctor and get yourself tested if you think you may be at risk of a heart attack.
But should everyone be tested for the risk of cardiac arrest? No. Only if you are positive for any of the factors given below:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Feeling breathless on minor physical exertion
- Having a family history of cardiovascular diseases
- Most of your diet consists of carbs and fats
- You are experiencing any of the symptoms listed in the previous section
These factors make you a more likely candidate for heart attack than others. Here are some ways to prevent a heart attack if you’re a likely candidate:
- If you have an underlying medical condition see your doctor and take steps to control it.
- Consult your doctor and evaluate your risk of having a heart attack in future.
- Adopt a healthier lifestyle such as eating balanced meals, drinking adequate water and exercising. Remember, doing household chores doesn’t count as an exercise but as a routine activity for the body.
- Be aware of what your body is trying to tell you and take action accordingly. Avoid overdoing to prevent injury.
Conclusion
Heart attacks can be life-threatening and thus need to be prevented. If you’re a young individual who is at risk, you must start taking action today. If you don’t know how to start, see your healthcare provider and evaluate your current condition. Based on the analysis, make modifications as suggested by your doctor. A healthy you today will be a healthy you tomorrow.
