Cardiovascular diseases, once considered to be primarily an old age-related affliction, are now increasingly affecting the younger generations.

Increasing Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) In Youth

• Demographic Advantage: India’s youth as a source of vitality and promise
  • Over 50% of the population is under 35 years, positioning India as a land of energy, vigour, and potential.
• Health Paradox: Youth facing early cardiovascular risks
  • Diseases once seen in the elderly, especially cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), are now striking the younger age groups.
• Rising Incidents: Sudden heart attacks among the young
  • Cases of individuals aged 20–40 suffering cardiac arrests, even during exercise or sports, are increasingly reported.
• Data Evidence: Half of heart attacks occur under 40
  • Hospital records (2020–2023) reveal that nearly 50% of heart attacks were among people below 40 years.

Causes of Increasing Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) In Youth

• Lifestyle factors have now surpassed genetics as the primary driver of heart attacks.
  • Cardiologists describe the combination of risk factors as a synergistic effect. Genetics is the “loaded gun,” and lifestyle is the “trigger” that causes the attack earlier in life.
• Lifestyle factors accelerating heart disease include:
  • Hyper-competition and Stress: The pressure of careers, exams, and competition puts a heavy burden on the heart and mind.
  • Smoking and Drinking: These severely impact heart health, often adopted in an attempt to appear cool.
  • Lack of Sleep: Sleep cycles are disrupted due to excessive mobile use.
  • Sedentary Routine: Long periods of sitting at work and minimal physical movement.
  • Dietary Compromise: Increased consumption of processed food and prioritizing convenience (e.g., through delivery apps like Zomato/Swiggy) over healthy choices.

Diagnostics Associated With Cardiovascular Diseases

• Recognising Early Signs: It is crucial to recognize the heart’s warning signals, which are often ignored or mistaken for digestive issues or muscle strain: 
  • Discomfort or pain during exercise, Sudden chest pain, Unexplained sweating (even when air conditioning is running), Shortness of breath after minimal exertion, Persistent fatigue that impedes daily routines.
• Cardiac Calcium Scoring: A specialized CT scan that assesses the buildup of calcium in the heart arteries. A high score indicates artery blockages and increased risk of a heart attack
• CT Coronary Angiogram: Provides a 3D image of the heart’s blood vessels (veins/nerves), allowing doctors to pinpoint exact blockages.

Way Forward

• Individual Level: Lifestyle changes should be maintained by ensuring 7–8 hours of sleep and 30–40 minutes of exercise daily.
  • Regular health checkups should be done after the age of 30.
  • Image-based screening should be prioritized rather than relying solely on blood tests.
• Government Level: Programs like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke (NPCDCS) should be implemented to prevent and control Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
  • The Ayushman Bharat Scheme works to make cardiovascular treatment accessible and affordable, particularly for the poor.
• Societal Level: Citizens across all age groups should be taught how to recognize the signs of a troubled heart and seek immediate medical help.

Conclusion

The rising burden of cardiovascular diseases among youth threatens India’s demographic dividend. Timely awareness, preventive lifestyle changes, robust healthcare programmes, and societal vigilance are vital to safeguard the nation’s health and productivity.

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