3 MAJOR FACTORS CAUSING HEART HEALTH PROBLEMS IN YOUNG PEOPLE

Heart diseases are often associated with older adults, but, in recent years, they are becoming increasingly common in individuals under the age of 40 years. According to the World Health Organisation, heart health issues are one of the leading causes of deaths globally, taking an estimate of 17.9 millions lives each year.

A few decades ago, heart diseases were mainly linked to getting older. But today, heart diseases can be triggered by a range of issues due to certain behavior and lifestyle practices which can lead to serious health problems. Behavioral aspects such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and consumption of tobacco and alcohol are the major risk factors for heart diseases. These habits can lead to problems like elevated blood pressure, unstable blood sugar levels, and the development of obesity. The evolving understanding of heart diseases underscores the importance of adopting healthier habits and making informed choices to safeguard heart health.

For example, if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, it can cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and the narrowing of arteries, which can raise your chances of heart disease, chronic kidney issues, and metabolic disorders.

Major factors causing heart health issues

The sedentary lifestyle and dietary choices

A significant cause of heart problems in younger individuals is lack of physical activity and the adoption of sedentary lifestyles. Beyond the influence of genetics, our daily choices play a major role in impacting our heart health. A concerning trend among working individuals is the excessive amount of time spent sitting at desks, often accompanied by neglect of healthy eating and exercise habits, and increases the risk of obesity but also raises the likelihood of developing conditions such as high blood pressure or hypertension.

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According to Dr Aparna Bhanushali, Head of Growth & Scientific Support, Haystack Analytics, “Coupled with diets that may be heavy on processed foods and light on nutritional value, this lifestyle can create a perfect storm for heart problems among the younger population. Individuals must recognize the consequences of their sedentary routines and prioritize physical activity, adopt balanced dietary choices, and heart health to combat these concerning trends effectively.”

Stress management

Stress, another major factor in heart health problems, is frequently triggered by the growing workloads and the fast pace of contemporary life. This heightened stress can lead to high blood pressure and, if left unmanaged, can raise the risk of chronic heart diseases in the long run. To manage this, it becomes crucial to include meditation and exercise into your daily routine to manage chronic stress, which can be a smart step towards a healthier heart and mental well being.

Family history/ genetic predisposition

Genetic factors are significant in making young people more prone to heart diseases. Though we cannot change our genetics, we can modify the environment which in turn interacts with our genes to decrease the risk for heart ailments. In a small genetic study conducted by HaystackAnalytics involving 160 participants, researchers found that 70% of these individuals had a higher genetic risk for high cholesterol, a major factor in heart issues. Additionally, 30% of cases showed a genetic susceptibility to both high cholesterol and diabetes. This highlights the importance of preventive healthcare and how our genetic makeup can greatly affect the likelihood of developing heart-related conditions.

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The role of early detection and diagnosis

Early detection and diagnosis plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy heart. Identifying risk factors, monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and timely understanding your genes can help in preventive measures and medical intervention, if required. Diagnosing heart health issues in their early stages allows more effective treatments and lifestyle adjustments that can significantly reduce the risk of chronic heart diseases and help in leading a healthy life. Individuals can also keep a check on early warning signs, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat, to take proactive steps towards maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, heart diseases are increasingly affecting young people, however, by taking a comprehensive approach that involves increasing awareness and making deliberate lifestyle changes, we can tackle both lifestyle-related factors and genetic tendencies. The human heart needs utmost care and attention, and by making significant adjustments to our lifestyle and eating habits, we can significantly enhance our overall well-being.