Why Do Some Fit People Still Develop Heart Disease?

Looking after the heart is not just about staying fit; it is about taking care of overall health throughout life. Every year, doctors diagnose heart disease in people who appear fit, active, and healthy. This often comes as a surprise because heart disease is commonly linked with obesity, smoking, and a poor lifestyle.

According to Dr Deebanshu Gupta, Cardiologist at Sarvodya Hospital, Jalandhar, “Some of these can be controlled, while others cannot. Understanding these causes can help people take better care of their heart and recognise the importance of regular health checks.”

Genetics Can Increase the Risk

One of the biggest reasons why fit people develop heart disease is genetics. Some people inherit genes that increase their risk, regardless of how healthy their lifestyle is.

For example, inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolaemia cause very high cholesterol levels from a young age. This allows fatty deposits to build up inside the arteries much earlier than normal. A person may exercise regularly and eat well, but still have a higher risk of a heart attack because of their family history.

Also Read: Why Do Heart Attacks Happen More Often in the Morning?

Age Also Matters

Getting older is another factor that no one can avoid. As people age, the heart and blood vessels naturally become less flexible. Over time, arteries may harden, making it easier for blockages to develop.

• Regular exercise helps keep the heart stronger for longer, but it cannot completely prevent the effects of ageing.
• This is why heart disease becomes more common as people grow older, even among those who stay active.

Hidden Health Conditions

Some fit people have health problems that show no obvious symptoms. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can all damage the heart without causing noticeable warning signs.

High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder and gradually damages blood vessels. High cholesterol can lead to plaque building up inside the arteries, while diabetes can increase the risk of damage to blood vessels and nerves.

Also Read: Can Dehydration Put Extra Strain On Your Heart?

Stress and Poor Sleep Can Affect the Heart

Physical fitness is only one part of good health. Mental wellness is just as important. Long-term stress can increase blood pressure, raise stress hormone levels, and contribute to inflammation within the body.

Poor sleep also affects heart health. According to a study published in the ‘American Journal of Preventive Cardiology’, adults who regularly sleep too little or have conditions such as sleep apnoea are at greater risk of developing heart disease. Even someone who exercises every day may still be placing extra strain on their heart if they do not get enough quality sleep.

Inflammation and Other Medical Conditions

Chronic inflammation is another factor linked with heart disease. Inflammation can damage blood vessels over time and encourage the build-up of fatty plaques.

• People with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, often have a higher risk of heart disease because these conditions increase inflammation throughout the body.
• Certain infections and long-term illnesses may also place additional stress on the heart, even in people who are otherwise physically fit.

Environmental Factors Also Play a Role

Not every risk comes from within the body. As per a study published in the journal ‘Nature Medicine’, air pollution, exposure to second-hand smoke, and some workplace hazards can damage the heart and blood vessels over many years.

These environmental factors may increase the risk of heart disease, even in people who exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Reducing exposure to pollution where possible can help protect long-term heart health.

Fitness Does Not Always Mean Complete Health

Many people assume that a slim body or athletic appearance means someone is completely healthy. However, physical fitness does not reveal what is happening inside the body.

Also Read: What Heart Health Tests Should Adults Get Regularly? Cardiologist Shares The List

A marathon runner may still have high cholesterol. A regular gym-goer may have high blood pressure without knowing it. This is why appearance alone should never be used to judge someone's heart health.

Routine health checks, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar tests, remain important for everyone, regardless of their fitness level.

How to Protect Your Heart

Although heart disease cannot always be prevented, there are many ways to lower the risk. Here are some of them:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and healthy fats supports heart health.
• Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
• Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and getting enough sleep also play important roles.
• People with a family history of heart disease should have regular medical check-ups and follow their doctor's advice.

Final Word

Being fit is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, but it is not a guarantee of lifelong heart health. Genetics, age, hidden medical conditions, stress, poor sleep, inflammation, and environmental factors can all contribute to heart disease, even in active people.