Western Diets, OTT Platforms, Steroids: Factors Contributing to the ‘Young Heart Attack’ Pandemic

Indians are genetically more prone to heart disease, but the adoption of Western lifestyles and diets has increased this risk exponentially, leading to a “young heart attack” pandemic.

More and more young people between 20 and 30 suffer from heart diseases. News of otherwise healthy young people suddenly dying of a massive heart attack is more common now than it used to be. These deaths make headlines, especially when the victim is some kind of celebrity. There is disbelief, shock, and then a sudden increase in young and healthy people going to clinics for a full health check.

That’s what dr Kaushal Chhatrapati, Sr. Interventional Cardiologist, FACC FSCAI FESC, has observed lately.

dr Chhatrapati: “Of course there are some rare genetics and structure heart disease such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Brugada disease, long QT syndromes and coronary artery abnormalities, which account for a portion of these deaths. These are of course very rare, but most sudden deaths in young adults are preventable.”

Factors contributing to the ‘young heart attack’ pandemic“

according to dr Chhatrapati, Indians are genetically cursed with a higher lifetime likelihood of suffering from heart disease than Westerners. With the adoption of Western lifestyles and diets, this risk has increased exponentially.

The cardiologist continues, “College students today are happily sipping 700-calorie frappuccinos in coffee shops, followed by a 600-calorie burger. Teenage and juvenile diabetes is alarmingly common and India has earned its place as “Diabetes Capital” to the world. “Hukka Parlors,” offering exotic tobacco flavors, are all the rage among the young hippie crowd. Among teenage college girls, smoking isn’t just a “feminist statement,” it’s a “weight-control hack” (smoking kills appetite and unhealthily reduces weight). Tobacco is by far the most important contributor to the “young heart attack” pandemic..”

“OTT platforms have turned teenagers into couch potatoes, and outdoor games have been replaced by game consoles. “Gymnastics” is also practiced in a highly unhealthy manner. Hormone-packed protein shakes punctuate any workout, and anabolic steroids are abused to make the buff look pumped. All of these are extremely toxic and cause hypertension, diabetes, stroke and heart attack,” he adds.

Steps to avoid a heart attack after 30 years

dr Chhatrapati advises teens to adopt these 7 habits for a healthy heart:

• Have healthy habits. Do not use tobacco, do not abuse alcohol or drugs.
• Complete a full heart health assessment, including an EKG, 2-D echo, and stress test
• Measure glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile along with other parameters every year. Treat if high.
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Do not delay treatment if blood pressure is high.
• Maintain ideal body weight. Eating healthy.
• Practice an active lifestyle with a moderate exercise program built into your day.
• Practice meditation and avoid stress. Ensure 7-9 hours of sleep daily.

“Youth today are India’s ‘demographic dividend’. India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The health of our future generation is of paramount importance if India is to emerge as a world dominant economic superpower. It is high time that our Gen Z generation recognized the power of our time-tested traditions and did not succumb to the temptations of a decadent lifestyle blindly imported from the West,” says Dr. Chhatrapati.

It’s time to swap burgers for bajra ki roti and donuts for dosa!

Total wellness is now just a click away.

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