Bhojpuri cinema actor Sudip Pandey, just 30 years old, tragically passed away this week following a heart attack, his family shared, as reported by the media. This shocking incident has once again raised concerns about the increasing number of young people losing their lives to heart attacks in India. Dr Purneshwar Kumar, a cardiologist at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, says such cases are becoming alarmingly common, especially among people in their 30s and 40s. To help us understand this worrying trend, Dr Kumar answers three important questions about why heart attacks are striking younger people more often. Why youngsters need to watch out for heart attacks Young people face an increasing risk of heart attacks due to poor lifestyle choices like lack of exercise, unhealthy diets, and high stress levels. Rising obesity rates are a major concern, as they lead to early cardiovascular issues. Smoking, excessive drinking, and neglecting exercise further harm heart health. Poor sleep and reliance on junk food worsen cholesterol levels and clog arteries, while academic and career stress drive up blood pressure, heightening heart attack risks. The young have to adopt healthy habits early: exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and manage stress effectively to protect their heart. Why are the young vulnerable? Heart disease has long been seen as a condition of aging, but it is now increasingly affecting people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Alarmingly, high cholesterol and blocked arteries, once associated with older generations, are now causing heart attacks in younger individuals. This marks a significant shift in how cardiac issues present themselves. Sedentary lifestyles, fast food consumption, and lack of exercise are primary contributors. Prolonged screen time and stress further exacerbate the problem, while harmful habits like smoking and vaping significantly increase the risk. Genetic predispositions, such as a strong family history of heart disease or conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia, also play a role. Additionally, undiagnosed health issues can intensify the risk. The best defense lies in early preventive measures. Regular health checkups and proactive lifestyle changes, including exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management, are critical to tackling this growing concern. How work pressure impacts heart health Increasing workload significantly raises the risk of heart attacks. High stress levels trigger the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which elevate heart rate and blood pressure. Prolonged physical stress damages blood vessels, promoting plaque buildup and eventually causing blockages. People react to stress differently, but many adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking, overeating, or leading sedentary lifestyles, all of which further harm heart health. The cumulative effect of these factors greatly increases the risk of heart attacks. This highlights the importance of stress management techniques and maintaining a balanced work-life routine to protect heart health.
