New Delhi. Although heart disease has traditionally been associated with senior citizens, physicians are now witnessing a disturbing rise in heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrests among people in their twenties and thirties. This shift is driving a call for earlier screening and proactive lifestyle changes.
Start Preventive Care Before Symptoms Appear
Renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Shriram Nene warns that waiting for an event to trigger medical attention is a risky strategy. He emphasizes a triple‑track approach: prevent disease, recognize early warning signs, and act swiftly when concerns arise.
Dr. Naresh Trehan, chairman of Medanta and a leading heart‑surgeon, advises anyone with a family history of cardiovascular problems or diabetes to begin formal screening before turning 25. Those without a clear hereditary link should discuss a suitable check‑up schedule with their doctor by age 30. Modern diagnostics such as genome sequencing can uncover hidden genetic predispositions, while clinicians combine family history, lab results and lifestyle metrics to calculate overall risk.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Under Scrutiny
Professor Monica Arora, vice‑president of the Research and Health Promotion Division at the Public Health Foundation of India, links the growing heart‑disease burden to a rapid departure from traditional Indian eating patterns. The surge in ultra‑processed snacks, sugary drinks and fast‑food meals is eroding cardiovascular health across age groups.
All tobacco products—cigarettes, gutka, chewing tobacco and newer nicotine delivery systems like vaping—remain major culprits. Their impact on blood vessels and heart rhythm significantly raises the likelihood of cardiac events.
According to Dr. Amit Gupta of the Global Metabolic Health Alliance, maintaining optimal blood‑sugar, blood‑pressure, cholesterol and body‑weight levels is essential. Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidaemia and fatty liver disease act as accelerants for heart attacks and strokes.
Building Heart‑Healthy Habits From Childhood
The alarming increase in childhood obesity is prompting pediatricians to urge families to instil healthy habits early. Simple practices—daily physical activity, balanced meals, limited screen time—lay a solid foundation for lifelong cardiac wellness.
For adults, routine monitoring of glucose, blood pressure and weight, strict adherence to prescribed medication, and periodic visits to healthcare providers remain indispensable components of heart‑care maintenance.
“Safeguarding the heart is a lifelong commitment, not a reaction to an emergency,” the experts conclude.
