World Heart Day 2025: Rise of Heart Attacks in India’s Young Adults: What Lifestyle Shifts Are to Blame?

In the lead-up to World Heart Day on September 29th, the global spotlight turns to cardiovascular health. Although most people correlate heart attacks with old age, a concerning trend is rewriting the norm and heart attacks are increasingly common among young adults, making it an acute reminder that the heart's well-being is a lifelong mission. This disturbing trend is a wake-up call, telling us to re-examine our lifestyle habits and pay heed to the subtle but vital messages our bodies might be sending us. Though genetics and underlying conditions have a role, specialists believe that a combination of contemporary lifestyle factors is a strong cause of this rise.

Thus, we spoke to our expert, Dr Prateek Chaudhary, Senior Consultant - Interventional Cardiology at Asian Hospital, Faridabad, and he explained everything to us in detail. Read ahead to know!

Rise of Unhealthy Lifestyles

Dr Chaudhary highlighted that the main offenders responsible for the increase in heart attacks among young adults are directly related to the way we now live. He refers to the following habits that ought to be the main contributors to heart disease, even in people in their 20s and 30s.

1. Unhealthy Diet and Obesity

Our diets today is full of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, unhealthy fats, and high sodium, and that is a significant contributor to heart illness. These eating patterns cause fatty plaques to build up in the arteries, a state of atherosclerosis, which can seal off the heart from blood. This also tends to cause obesity, further burdening the heart and is a major risk factor for other diseases such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, both of which severely raise the risk of a heart attack.

2. Sedentary Living

Our lives are growing more sedentary every passing day. Time spent stuck in front of computer monitors, phones, and televisions at the cost of exercise increases the narrowing of blood vessels and can result in excess weight gain. Exercise on a regular basis maintains weight within normal ranges, reduces blood pressure, and enhances overall cardiovascular efficiency. The American Heart Association suggests a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-level exercise every week.

Also Read: Can Bad Mouth Health Cause a Heart Attack? Here Is What A New Study Finds

3. Substance Use

Smoking, vaping, and drug use for recreation are also contributing factors. The toxins in tobacco and e-cigarettes harm the heart and vessels, speeding up the formation of plaque deposits and increasing blood pressure. 

4. Chronic Stress

The stresses of daily life, from study pressure to office demands and the ongoing connectedness of social media, are catching up too. Chronic stress produces an inflammatory reaction in the body, one that can ultimately harm the heart and blood vessels. Stress management through meditation, being mindful, and exercise is essential to safeguarding your heart.

Tips To Avoid Risks Of Heart Attacks: Expert-Backed Advice

To counter this alarming trend, Dr Chaudary shared the significance of preventive measures. He recommended you stay away from the following:

• Disregarding a healthy diet: Restrict your consumption of processed foods, red meat, and sweet snacks. Replace them with a plate full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• A sedentary lifestyle: Avoid a desk job or sitting screen watching, taking up most of your day. Use regular physical activity, even a brisk walk, a few days per week.
• Overlooking warning signals: Most young adults tend to overlook signs of a heart attack as indigestion, fear, or muscle strain. Chest pain, shortness of breath, or arm, jaw, or back discomfort should never be overlooked. Call for emergency assistance.
• Smoking or drug abuse: The cardiovascular dangers posed by these activities are well documented. The most important single step you can take to lower your risk is to quit.
• Skimping on regular check-ups: Most of the risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, have no discernible symptoms. Regular check-ups with your doctor can detect these conditions early and enable you to correct them before they create a serious issue.

Take note that a heart attack is a medical emergency. If you or someone close to you feels symptoms, call for immediate emergency medical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the subtle signs of a heart attack in young adults?

Early signs might include inexplicable exhaustion, shortness of breath, or pain in the jaw or back, accompanied by a sensation of indigestion. Although the most frequent symptom is chest pain, it may not always be intense or overt.

2. Is it more serious if a heart attack occurs in a young person?

A heart attack at any age is something to worry about. Young individuals might also be more susceptible to a second heart episode. Furthermore, since they don't necessarily view themselves as being at risk, they could delay medical treatment, which would cause further damage.

3. How can I determine my individual risk?

Start by getting a full health check-up with your doctor. Discuss your family history of heart disease, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and lifestyle habits. Your doctor can provide a comprehensive risk assessment and a personalised prevention plan.