Heart disease is often associated with ageing, but the choices we make in our youth play a crucial role in determining our cardiovascular health later in life. This is becoming more apparent as more and more cases of untimely heart attacks have been popping up in the last few years.
Recently, news broke that actor Shreyas Talpade of Iqbal, Om Shanti Om, and Golmaal fame has been admitted to the hospital for having suffered a heart attack. He had to undergo an angioplasty the same night, a surgical procedure done to open up blocked coronary arteries as per the National Health Service.
Although Talpade, aged 47, is recovering and is expected to be back home soon, his health scare has once again opened up conversations about the rise of untimely heart attacks and ways to protect the youth from this concerning trend. To know more about the same, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Chetan Bhambure, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, and Dr Sandeep Gore, Department of Emergency Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.
Premature Heart Attacks
According to the Harvard Medical School, coronary artery disease is labelled as a disease of the elderly as the average age for suffering the first heart attack is 65 in the United States. However, almost 4-10% of all heart attacks occur before age 45, and most of these strike men.
“Heart attack hospital admissions have increased by five times in the last ten years, with the number of patients in the 40-50 age group witnessing a spike of 33%,” said Dr Gore.
Both doctors agreed that adopting heart-healthy habits early on can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, Dr Bhambure insisted, “Follow a controlled fitness and diet plan that does not exert undue pressure on your heart.”
Also Read: Did You Know That Air Pollution Can Trigger Heart Attacks? Expert Answers
Tips To Avoid Premature Heart Attacks
Dr Bhambure shared that the best way to safeguard heart health is by adopting a holistic approach. He listed a few steps:
- Do not skip warm-up and cool-down exercises before a heavy workout. Try this at least 20 minutes before and after your workout sessions.
- Pay close attention to your body’s signs. If you experience inexplicable pain on the left side of the chest or the joints, especially during or after your gym sessions, consult a doctor immediately.
- If you experience dizziness, racing heartbeat, breathing difficulty, palpitations, lightheadedness, or a fainting sensation, seek medical consultation as soon as you can.
- Do not over-exert yourself beyond your limit as that can put undue pressure on your heart.
- Get meticulous cardiac screening if you are surrounded by the risk factors of a heart attack.
- Eat well-balanced meals, stay hydrated, and get adequate quality sleep daily.
- You can increase your cardiovascular endurance by engaging in low-impact exercises like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Modifying your lifestyle by enhancing your daily routine should be actively pursued in your youth to avoid premature heart attacks. By adopting a holistic approach to health, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and other key factors, you must lay the foundation for a heart-healthy future. It's never too early to prioritise cardiovascular well-being, and the choices made today can pave the way for a longer, healthier life.