Among adolescents and youth there is a growing concern about the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases. It is an alarming concern that an increase in obesity among children, adolescents, and young adults, a significant risk factor for NCDs, has been observed.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines adolescents as individuals aged 10 to 19, youth as those between 15 and 24, and young people encompassing the broader range of 10 to 24.
Why To Focus On Cardiovascular Health
“Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an overarching term that encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Among these, coronary artery disease (CAD) stands out as the most common type. CAD is characterised by the buildup of plaque within the arteries supplying blood to the heart, a process known as atherosclerosis,” said Dr Shefali Desai, Associate Vice President, Desai Metropolis Healthcare Limited (Surat), adding, when this plaque restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, it can lead to myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack.
According to WHO, in 2019, CVDs claimed the lives of an estimated 17.9 million individuals globally, representing a staggering 32% of all recorded deaths worldwide. Of these deaths, a striking 85% were attributed to heart attacks and strokes. Young adults are not exempted from the risk of CVDs, and several preventable risk factors contribute to this vulnerability. These factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Also, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol abuse, poor dietary choices, and mental stress further compound the risk.
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome
“Metabolic syndrome is a concern as it clusters five conditions, each a risk factor for CVDs, diabetes, stroke, and other health issues. These conditions include high blood glucose levels, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (often referred to as "good" cholesterol), elevated triglyceride levels, a large waist circumference or an "apple-shaped" body, and high blood pressure,” said Dr Desai.
“Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when an individual presents with three or more of these risk factors, dramatically increasing their chances of developing severe cardiovascular conditions,” she added.
Also read: Alcohol May Lower Heart Disease Risk In People Over 40
The Problem of Underdiagnosis
One pressing issue is the underdiagnosis of these conditions in young adults. Many individuals may unknowingly harbour diabetes or high blood pressure, putting them at risk without their awareness. Regular screening for CVDs is critical across all age groups. This includes comprehensive physical examinations, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, blood pressure monitoring, and a range of laboratory investigations.
These investigations should encompass lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar tests, HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) levels, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs CRP) measurements, Apolipoproteins, Lp (a) tests, and evaluations of liver enzymes.
In a five-year data analysis of patients who opted for Metropolis' 'TruHealth™' wellness package, which included 31,533 individuals under 40, concerning trends emerged. Among those aged 18 to 30, approximately 22% exhibited borderline to high cholesterol levels. Furthermore, based on HDL levels, over 40% in this age group may face an elevated risk of heart diseases.
HbA1c levels were also analysed, revealing that about 30% of patients aged 18-30 and 41% aged 31-40 fell within the pre-diabetic range. These findings underscore the importance of proactive health measures, especially among younger individuals, to enable early intervention and informed decision-making for a healthier future.
Need To Educate The Next Generation
To address this health crisis, we must educate the next generation on preventive measures:
- Healthy Diet: Promote nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Limit intake of sugars, saturated and trans fats, salt in processed foods, sugary drinks, and baked goods.
- Physical Activity: Encourage at least 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity weekly, including resistance, aerobics, flexibility, and balance exercises. Avoid prolonged sitting.
- Weight Management: Prioritise weight control for overweight individuals.
- Stress Management and Sleep: Emphasise restorative sleep and stress management for mental health.
- Harmful Habits: Strongly discourage smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Regular Screening: Stress the importance of routine physical exams and lab tests for early detection of NCDs.
Promoting youth heart health is a collective endeavour. Communities should focus on healthier nutrition, regulating harmful habits, and integrating health education into schools. Early screening is crucial. By empowering the younger generation with knowledge and tools, we can ensure a healthier future, combating the threat of cardiovascular diseases. Prioritising youth heart health is our shared responsibility for a brighter tomorrow.