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Heart Attacks: Most Affected Age Group in India?

Introduction

Dr. Jagjit Deshmukh, an Interventional Cardiologist at Sahyadri Hospital, highlights an alarming trend in India: a significant number of heart attacks occur in younger individuals. Research shows that nearly 25% of heart attacks happen in individuals under 40, and almost 50% affect those under 50. The mean age of heart attack patients in India is 53 years, which is much younger compared to Western countries.

Genetic Factors

One of the key factors contributing to early heart attacks in young Indians is genetics. Dr. Deshmukh explains that Indians, along with other South Asians, are genetically predisposed to early coronary diseases. This predisposition significantly raises the risk of heart attacks at a younger age.

Lifestyle and Urbanization

Rapid urbanization, along with lifestyle-related factors, also plays a crucial role in the increasing number of heart attacks among young Indians. Lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets, and psychological stress have become widespread due to modern living conditions. These factors significantly increase the risk of early heart attacks in young individuals.

Underlying Health Conditions

Dr. Deshmukh further explains that untreated or poorly managed health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, are common among young individuals in India. These underlying conditions heighten the risk of heart attacks, especially if not managed appropriately.

Conclusion

The rising number of early heart attacks in young Indians is a growing concern, with genetic predispositions, lifestyle changes, and underlying health conditions all contributing factors. Addressing these issues is essential to prevent heart attacks in younger populations.

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