Sudden heart attacks in young doctors: Why stress, sleepless nights, and overwork are silent killers

Even doctors who look ‘fit’ are not immune to heart risks. Long duty hours, irregular meals, and sleepless nights silently damage the heart, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac events.

With Dr Gradlin Roy’s—the 39-year-old cardiac surgeon’s— sad and unfortunate demise, who fell in the hospital while going for his rounds, there is an immediate need to draw attention to a fast increasing scenario-sudden heart attacks involving young doctors. Stress, sleepless nights, overwork and physical exertion can be as hazardous for the heart and for the body as smoking or obesity.

Young doctors and health care workers can look ‘fit’ on the outside. But long hours, missed meals, high pressure and little rest take a silent toll on the heart. Factors ranging from stress hormones and disturbed sleep to sedentary lifestyles raise blood pressure, blood sugar and blood fat levels and boost the odds of cardiac problems. These are danger signals that even non-smokers and non-overweight people may be in danger.

Also Read: Heart attack and cardiac arrest: How to perform CPR before doctor or nurse comes

The body in chronic stress is always in a ‘fight-or-flight’ state and the heart just keeps racing. This along with not getting enough sleep does not allow the heart and blood vessels to recover. The unhealthy pairing can ultimately result in hypertension, diabetes, and potential sudden cardiac events even in otherwise healthy individuals, says Dr Vishal Rastogi, Director Cardiology, Fortis, Okhla.

Early warning signs doctors often ignore

• Constant fatigue and stress despite resting properly

• Faster heartbeats or palpitations without any stressful physical activity

• Breathlessness or chest tightness during minor exertion

• Poor sleep, irritability, or unusual mood swings

Also Read: Fatty heart symptoms, causes, and simple, expert-approved tips to keep your heart healthy

Unfortunately, doctors often tend to dismiss these as “just stress” instead of understanding its seriousness and addressing the concern, says Doctor Rastogi.

Small lifestyle changes that protect the heart

• Short walks and choosing to climb the stairs instead of using lift during duties can keep the body in function

• Carrying healthy snacks instead of relying on junk food or skipping meals

• Fixing a regular wake-up time even on off days maintains the rhythm of the body

• Practicing 2-3 minutes of deep breathing during breaks

• Limiting coffee/energy drinks and avoiding alcohol after long shifts

• Ensuring at least two workouts per week, even if short
Individual will power to ensure fitness isn’t enough if the healthcare system doesn’t balance the need. Hospitals should ensure reasonable duty hours, healthy food options, proper resting areas for night shifts, and mental health support. A healthier team of doctors means safer patients.

Even if one feels that he/she is fit, young professionals should get their following basic annual checks done that can save lives:

• Blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol levels

• ECG once as a baseline

• Screening for sleep apnea if you snore or feel exhausted despite sleep

• If strong family history, consider an advanced test like CT calcium score after 35–40

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.