Cardiac arrest: Cardiologist shares risk factors, and preventive techniques for young patients | Health News

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency wherein the heart stops beating suddenly.

New Delhi: Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency wherein the heart stops beating suddenly. It requires immediate medical support to prevent the risk of long-term damage. But lately, cardiac arrest and heart attacks in young individuals have increased which indeed is a concerning trend. In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Vivek Shama, Associate Consultant of Cardiology at Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida shared some factors that could be contributing contributing to this phenomenon.

1. Lifestyle Choices: Poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are all significant contributors to heart disease, impacting individuals of all ages.
2. Obesity Epidemic: The increasing prevalence of obesity, even among younger populations, significantly heightens the risk of heart disease by exacerbating conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
3. Mental Health and Stress: Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression exert physiological effects on the heart, amplifying the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cardiac events among young individuals.
4. Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to heart disease, including conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia, which can lead to early-onset heart attacks.
5. Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Prolonged illnesses like post-COVID complications, along with environmental factors like pollution and toxin exposure, can induce inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and blood clotting issues, elevating the risk of heart attacks and other cardiac complications.

Addressing this multifaceted challenge necessitates a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, policymakers, educators, community organizations, and individuals themselves.

By addressing these underlying factors and implementing preventive strategies, we can significantly mitigate the risk of heart attacks among young individuals:

1. Promoting Healthy Habits: Encouraging balanced diets rich in green leafy vegetables and proteins, regular physical activity such as walking and yoga, and cessation of harmful habits like smoking can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
2. Management of Risk Factors: Vigilant monitoring and management of risk factors like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension through regular check-ups and appropriate interventions are crucial in preventing heart attacks.
3. Stress Management: Providing support and resources for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues can help alleviate their detrimental effects on heart health.
4. Preventive Health Checks: Regular preventive health screenings, including blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol level tests, and overall cardiac health assessments, play a pivotal role in early detection and intervention to prevent heart disease.
5. Quitting Smoking: Smoking cessation programs and support services should be readily available and accessible to individuals, as quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health.
6. Exercise and Yoga: Regular physical activity, including both aerobic exercises and strength training, helps improve heart health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight. Additionally, practicing yoga can enhance cardiovascular function, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.

By implementing these preventive measures and fostering a holistic approach to heart health, we can strive to reduce the incidence of heart attacks among young individuals up to 82% and promote longevity and overall well-being.