There have been an increasing number of cases of heart disease and heart attacks among younger people. It has become life-threatening for many people in their 30s and 40s. So, why this medical condition is rapidly increasing in young people? Let’s dive deeper into the details to understand the main causes of why heart attacks come in young age groups.
A heart attack is an emergency medical condition that occurs when some obstruction happens in smooth blood flow to the heart. Blood carries oxygen, and when there is an obstruction, the heart muscles start to perish and heart attacks. However, if it is possible to stop early, the doctor can reduce the damage caused to the heart muscles.
The signs and symptoms of heart attack usually vary from one another. Not all people get similar severity of heart attack symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms are very mild, while others may get severe.
Nonetheless, people may get warning symptoms for at least hours, days or even weeks in advance of their heart attack. Besides, some people might not have any symptoms and suddenly get a heart attack.
Regardless, the earliest and one of the most common symptoms is angina which may occur due to exertion. Angina is basically chest pain and suffering that relieves after rest. It occurs especially when there is a decrease in the flow of blood to the heart.
Here are some of the common symptoms of a heart attack. These include:
Women may experience atypical symptoms of a heart attack. This includes sharp but brief pain in the neck, back or arm. Sometimes, the very first sign of a heart attack can be sudden cardiac arrest.
There are some specific factors that play a major role in the development of heart disease in younger people. Some of them are controllable and remediable, while some are not.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure could be either genetic or due to other conditions. In most cases, healthy and heart-friendly lifestyle changes can control high blood pressure.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels and fatty plaque build-ups can narrow the blood vessels and gradually lead to a heart attack.
Smoking
Tobacco consumption and smoking narrow down the blood vessels and impose an extra burden on the heart.
Obesity
Obesity is perhaps one of the major reasons why heart disease affects younger people. A person with obesity needs more blood to transfer oxygen to the heart, resulting in increased blood pressure. Higher blood pressure is more prone to a heart attack.
The main reasons behind the increased incidence of heart disease and heart attack in younger people are unhealthy lifestyles and diets. Plus, genetic issues are also a factor leading to a rise in heart attacks in people aged between their 30s and 40s.
Nonetheless, the growing competition, stress, anxiety and depression are also risk factors that have agreeably become a leading reason for growing heart attacks in young people.
Lifestyle management is perhaps one of the most effective ways to increase the shielding of heart disease. With a healthy routine, one can mitigate the risk of having a heart attack. Some of these healthy habits include:
It is vital to consult a doctor right away as soon as you realize that you have a heart attack. Plus, you can take these necessary steps to save your life.
Seek emergency medical help by calling the local emergency number. If you don’t have any access to emergency medical assistance, ask someone to drive you to the nearest medical center. The patient should only take the risk of driving if there is no other way to get medical help.
You can take nitroglycerin only if your doctor has previously prescribed it before. Take medicine as per instruction while awaiting emergency medical help.
Again, you may take aspirin if your health care provider has previously recommended it. Aspirin minimizes heart damage by preventing blood from clotting during a heart attack.
However, it can interact with other medications. So, don’t take aspirin without a doctor’s recommendation.
Written By
Shafiq Ahmad Khan
Founder & CEO
Dania Medicare Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
