Heart attacks continue to be a major killer worldwide, with India seeing a troubling increase. The National Institutes of Health reports that in 2022, the country saw 32,457 deaths related to heart attacks - a big rise compared to the three years before.
Most people think heart disease comes from bad lifestyle choices, but the truth can be more complicated. A case shared by Dr Jubair Ahmed, a lifestyle and preventive medicine expert in Delhi, highlights this unsettling fact.
In an Instagram post on November 15, Dr Ahmed described a 37-year-old Bengaluru man who lived what many would consider an ideal lifestyle:
Yet, last month, he landed in a cardiac catheterisation lab with chest pressure and left-arm heaviness. An angiography revealed two major blockages, requiring two stents.
So what went wrong?
According to Dr Ahmed, several non-obvious, often ignored factors can dramatically increase the risk of coronary artery disease — even in fit, young adults.
A family history of early heart disease significantly increases vulnerability.
“If your father or uncle had early cardiac issues, your risk is 2 to 3 times higher – even if you’re lean, fit, and active,” Dr Ahmed notes.
Also Read: Doctors warn: Heart attacks rarely come without signs. Here's what we ignore
This genetically determined lipid is not included in routine lipid profiles.
High levels can clog arteries even when LDL levels look normal, making it one of the biggest hidden threats.
“Running 5 km is not stress management,” Dr Ahmed emphasises.
Chronic stress triggers:
All of which can accelerate artery damage.
Many people who exercise have inflammation they don't know about. Tests for things like hs-CRP aren't part of normal health check-ups but can show your risk of heart problems.
Even if you sleep for six hours using screens late at night and having an irregular sleep schedule can:
When these things happen together, they create the perfect storm for heart issues.
Running or gym workouts alone do not guarantee clean arteries.
“Heart disease is influenced by genes + lifestyle + inflammation + stress + sleep + lipoprotein(a) — not fitness alone,” Dr Ahmed explains.
Dr Ahmed recommends a more comprehensive screening approach, especially for individuals with family history or high-stress routines.
Key tests include:
1. Can genetics alone cause a heart attack?
Yes, a family history of early heart disease can significantly increase your risk, even if you lead a healthy lifestyle.
2. What is Lipoprotein(a) and why is it dangerous?
Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically determined lipid that can clog arteries even when LDL levels appear normal. It is a major hidden threat not included in routine lipid profiles.
3. How does chronic stress contribute to heart disease?
Chronic stress can elevate adrenaline, increase blood pressure, cause inflammation, and lead to microplaque formation, all of which can damage arteries.
4. Why are routine check-ups not enough to detect inflammation?
Routine check-ups often do not include tests like hs-CRP, which can indicate hidden inflammation and heart disease risk.
5. Can poor sleep really affect heart health?
Yes, irregular sleep patterns and late-night screen use can raise cortisol levels, thicken blood, destabilise plaque, and increase metabolic stress, contributing to heart problems.
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.
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