Younger generation showing increased vulnerability to cardiac ailments: Dr Sushil
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In order to aware general masses with particular focus on younger lot regarding the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long Cardiac awareness cum Health Checkup Camp at Bal Niketan, Ved Mandir Amphalla, here on Sunday.
While interacting with the people Dr Sushil stated cardiovascular diseases is the leading cause of Death worldwide and as many as 4pc to 10pc of all heart attacks occur before age 45, and most of these strike men. It’s a reminder that men should not ignore warning symptoms just because they are “too young” to have heart disease. And since atherosclerosis can and does start in youth, it’s a reminder that prevention should start early in life before problems develop. Because CAD is the most important cause of early heart attacks,
it deserves the most attention. But the other causes should also be considered. In broad numbers, about 4% of heart attacks in young adults are triggered by inborn abnormalities of the coronary artery anatomy. 5% can be attributed to blood clots that originate elsewhere and are carried in the bloodstream to otherwise normal coronary arteries, where they block the artery. And in another 5%, various disorders of the blood clotting system increase the risk of clot formation throughout the circulatory system, including in coronary arteries. He elaborated that in the past 2 decades, a high prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet, has been observed among young individuals living in developed countries. The rate of substance abuse (opioids, cocaine, electronic cigarettes, and anabolic steroids) is also increasing among young adults, whereas cigarette smoking might be declining.
Among younger individuals (aged 18-50 years), the incidence of cardiovascular diseases over the same time period has either been steady or has increased, in contrast to the trend towards a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease in adults aged >50 years. Current observations might, therefore, be used to forecast a potential epidemic of cardiovascular disease in the near future as the younger segment of the population ages.
He added that It used to be incredibly rare to see anyone under age 40 come in with a heart attack and some of these people are now in their 20s and early 30s, Based on what we are seeing, it seems that we are moving in the wrong direction. In order to help younger adults offset risks for having a future heart attack, stroke, or developing heart failure multiple efforts are needed. This includes looking at ways to help young adults, especially those disproportionately affected by heart disease risks, take steps to support their health, he said.
