Despite being aware of the importance of regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a large number of youngsters are still ignoring early warning signs of cardiovascular problems. Timely attention to symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, or palpitations is key to preventing serious heart issues and saving lives. Exercise caution when it comes to the heart, even in those who appear fit and active. Timely cardiac screening is important to save the heart.
Heart problems are no longer confined to older adults. Increasingly, youngsters are presenting with conditions such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and early signs of a heart attack. Contributing factors are sedentary lifestyles, high stress, poor dietary habits, excessive screen time, smoking, alcohol, and lack of sleep. Many young adults ignore warning signs like mild chest pain, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat, assuming it is due to stress or overexertion. This delay in seeking medical help can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks, heart failure, and long-term cardiovascular damage.
Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, consultant cardiac surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, says, “50 per cent youngsters are not vigilant about their heart health. Unfortunately, 5 in 10 patients aged 27-45 are health-conscious in terms of fitness and diet, but overlook key warning signs of heart trouble. Chest discomfort, palpitations, breathlessness, or unusual fatigue are often dismissed as minor issues. Ignoring these symptoms can result in delayed diagnosis of serious heart conditions, which could have been managed effectively if detected early. Education, awareness, and regular medical check-ups are crucial. Youngsters should not take their heart health for granted, as early intervention can prevent life-threatening complications.”
Dr Bhamre further adds, “Regular screenings, especially for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and ECG, as part of proactive heart health care, are recommended for everyone. Preventive measures include maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep. Youngsters should also be attentive to subtle symptoms and consult the doctor promptly. Early detection not only reduces the risk of severe events but also improves long-term heart health. While adopting a healthy lifestyle is important, ignoring warning signs can be dangerous. Awareness, vigilance, and timely medical attention are essential to protect the heart and ensure a long, healthy life.
Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, chief CVTS surgeon, Cardiovascular and Thoracic, MICS, Trauma and Transplant surgeon, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel Mumbai concludes, “40 per cent youngsters fail to pay attention to their heart health. 4 in 10 patients aged 27-45 fail to recognise the symptoms, such as chest pain or palpitation, as they believe heart problems can only strike older people. However, stress, poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise are making heart issues more common at a young age. It is time for everyone to concentrate on their heart health. Go for cardiac screening without fail as suggested by the doctor, take crucial steps such as staying active, eating healthy, and managing stress to save the heart. Remember that any problems detected during the screening will require immediate attention from the expert, who will further decide the line of treatment. So, pledge to take utmost care of your heart.”
