A worrying set of numbers has come out of Haryana, putting the spotlight on heart health among younger people. Nearly 18,000 individuals between the ages of 18 and 45 have died due to heart attacks or heart failure between January 2020 and January 2026, the state Assembly was informed this week.And these aren’t older patients. These are people in their working years, many of whom would not typically be seen as high-risk.The figures were presented in the Assembly after a Congress MLA asked for a year-by-year breakdown of these deaths. But the question didn’t stop at just numbers, it also hinted at something many people have been quietly thinking about. Is there any link between these heart attack related deaths and COVID infection or vaccination?The government’s response was clear. No study or survey has been conducted so far to examine any such correlation.Heart disease has long been associated with older age groups. But trends like these suggest something is shifting. Younger adults are increasingly showing up in data that once belonged to a different demographic.And that makes the need for deeper investigation more urgent.Because without understanding the cause, it’s hard to talk about prevention.
90% of the heart attack cases are attributed to modifiable risk factors
“Recent years have noted a surge in heart attacks within youth populations prompting the need for prevention strategies as well as further research into the causes underlying their development.
Of all individuals experiencing a heart attack, approximately 90% are attributed to modifiable risk factors such as: diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), smoking, abdominal obesity, high levels of stress, low levels of physical activity and poor nutrition.
Though family history can not be changed; all of the other causes which lead to heart attacks arise from lifestyle choices and have been progressively more prevalent in today’s youth.
Rates of diabetes and hypertension are rising rapidly among individuals living in India. Although tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use among youth has decreased during recent years; they alone continue to contribute significantly towards early heart attack occurrence. Due to rapid urbanization, competition and high demand work demands on individuals, there has been an increase in overall stress levels; therefore placing stress as one of the most under-studied contributing factors to the current increase in heart attack occurrences.
Acute emotional or physical stress is now understood to have the potential to trigger a heart attack suddenly and severely,” Dr. Parneesh Arora,Director- Interventional Cardiology, Medanta Hospital Noida told TOI Health.Adding to this Dr. Binay Kumar Pandey, Director & HOD- Interventional Cardiology, Electrophysiology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital Faridabad Sector -88 told TOI Health, “heart attack rates are climbing among young people because of unhealthy living habits and lifestyle choices.
For example, working long hours, experiencing high levels of stress, not getting enough exercise, and not getting good sleep negatively impacts heart health.
People who have diets high in junk food, sugar, and trans fats have increased cholesterol levels. The use of tobacco and alcohol and the increase in obesity add to the risk of heart attack. Many young people now have health conditions that begin at a younger age than those had in prior generations, such as diabetes & hypertension and spend more time in front of screens than prior generations, thereby increasing stress on their minds and their bodies and leading to an increased incidence of heart-related problems for this age group,”
Healthy lifestyle habits
“In order to prevent heart attacks at a younger age, you have to practice sustainable, healthy behaviours.
Following good health guidelines through regular physical activity of any type, walking, jogging, yoga, etc. will help to maintain your cardio-respiratory system. Eating a proper nutritional diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat foods, will assist your body in controlling its cholesterol.
Reducing the amount of stress in your life through relaxation techniques,meditation and getting adequate sleep is important for maintaining heart health.
Quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol use will lower your chances of developing heart disease; additionally, routine medical exams and assessments, maintaining an acceptable weight and staying physically active are key components to protecting your heart from disease over the long haul,” Dr. Binay Kumar Pandey added.Medical experts consulted This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr. Parneesh Arora, Director- Interventional Cardiology, Medanta Hospital NoidaDr. Binay Kumar Pandey, Director & HOD- Interventional Cardiology, Electrophysiology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital Faridabad Sector -88Inputs were used to explain the factors driving 18,000 deaths in Haryana due to heart attacks. Doctors shared preventive tips for young adults.
