Indore Heart Health Alert As Experts Warn Indians Develop Heart Disease 10 Years Earlier, One In Five Heart Attack Patients Aged 20–40

Indore, Madhya Pradesh - Indians are developing heart disease a decade earlier than their counterparts in other nations, but experts warn that adopting healthier lifestyles can drastically reduce the risk. Dr Jagat Narula, President of the World Heart Federation and a respected cardiologist, highlighted sedentary habits, poor diets, obesity, and inactivity as key drivers of cardiovascular disease in younger individuals.

According to Dr Rakesh Jain, a cardiologist, one in every five heart attack patients today falls between the ages of 20 and 40. He cautioned that conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol often go unnoticed due to the absence of symptoms until a sudden cardiac event occurs.

Dr Narula emphasized that nearly 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes could be prevented through the control of major risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. He cited a study of over 400 ancient mummies from various countries, pointing out that lifestyle and environmental factors, like exposure to smoke from wood fires, had impacted vascular health for centuries.

Dr Narula recommended maintaining a balanced intake of sugar, salt, and carbohydrates, and advised limiting added sugar in children's diets during their first two years of life to foster long-term cardiovascular health.

These experts noted that heart disease claims nearly 2 crore lives globally each year, representing approximately 33% of all fatalities, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the heaviest burden.