Cardiologist explains why heart disease is rising in young adults: Causes, risks, and prevention

Early heart disease is no longer rare — young professionals with high-stress jobs and unhealthy habits are increasingly at risk. (Image: Pexels)

For decades, physicians thought of cardiovascular disease as something that struck in one’s 50s or 60s. But in hospitals across the country, this conviction is being called into question. There continues to be a consistent rise in younger patients — those in their 30s especially — being wheeled into the operation theatre (OT) with cardiac troubles.

What explains this sudden shift? Young hearts are under stress and the contemporary world is pushing young hearts as never before. High-stress jobs, economic instability, poor dietary habits and low levels of physical activity are some of the risk factors that once accumulated over decades are now coming together at a much younger age. The result is a steep uptick in blocked arteries, hypertension and even heart attacks which people that young should be nowhere near.

Unlike older patients, many of these young adults have had no family history of heart disease, which makes the cases even more troubling, Dr Rahul Kumar, senior cardiologist at the MetroLife Heart Institute, Indore, told Moneycontrol. Physicians stress that although genetic predisposition plays a role, lifestyle factors are the primary catalysts.

Also Read: Cardiologists flag outdated symptoms of heart attack and stroke, say even the ‘healthy’ are at risk

What's Causing Early Heart Disease in Young Adults

Chronic work and financial stress

Physical inactivity and screen time

Bad diets and poor sleep

Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking as coping strategies.

Ignoring preventive health check-ups

“Almost 25% of my under-40 patients come in with advanced blockages," Dr Kumar tells Moneycontrol. “Many are professionals and have long hours, bad eating and no exercise. They don’t know that their lifestyle is quietly aging their arteries by decades,” he adds.

Making matters worse is lifestyle. Sedentary lifestyles, extended desk working hours, reliance on packaged eats and smokes as well as late-night drinking binges escalate the risks to a large extent. All of these, along with not getting enough sleep and exercising little, put enormous stress on the heart.

Also Read: Heart attacks in young adults: Healthy lifestyle changes and preventive steps

Prevention is the answer, experts say. Regular exercise, healthy eating habits, mental wellness practices like meditation and annual health screenings help catch risks before they turn into emergencies. And finally, young adults should see heart care not as something that is for old people and has nothing to do with them but an immediate issue.

This surge in heart disease in the 30s is a wake-up call. Taking care of your heart now not only will assure you longevity but also a healthier, more productive future.

Also Read: Causes of heart attacks: 5 main reasons for heart diseases in young adults, and how to fight back

FAQs on Heart Diseases Among the Young:

1. Why are young adults experiencing heart disease?
Young adults are under increased stress from high-pressure jobs, economic instability, poor dietary habits, and low physical activity, leading to early onset heart disease.

2. Can lifestyle changes help prevent heart disease in young adults?
Yes, regular exercise, healthy eating, mental wellness practices, and annual health screenings can help prevent heart disease.

3. Do young adults without a family history of heart disease need to worry?
Yes, lifestyle factors are significant contributors to heart disease, even in those without a family history.

4. What are the main risk factors for heart disease in young adults?
Chronic stress, physical inactivity, poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and neglecting preventive health check-ups are key risk factors.

5. How can young adults protect their heart health?
Young adults can protect their heart health by adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, eating well, managing stress, and getting regular health check-ups.

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.