New Delhi. Although heart disease has traditionally been associated with seniors, clinicians are now witnessing a disturbing climb 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 preventive measures.
Prevention Starts Long Before Symptoms Appear
Renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Shriram Nene warns that waiting for a heart attack to begin care is a costly gamble. He urges a balanced approach that includes risk‑reduction, early identification of warning signs, and swift medical evaluation when concerns arise.
Dr. Naresh Trehan, chairman of Medanta and a leading heart surgeon, recommends that individuals with a family history of heart disease or diabetes start cardiac screening before turning 25. Those without such a background should discuss appropriate check‑ups with their physician by age 30. Advances such as genome sequencing can uncover inherited susceptibilities, while doctors combine family history, laboratory results, and lifestyle information to calculate overall risk.
Diet 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 surge in cardiovascular disease to changing dietary patterns. The proliferation of processed snacks and sugary drinks is displacing traditional Indian meals, eroding heart‑healthy nutrition.
All tobacco products—including cigarettes, gutka, and other smokeless forms—remain major contributors to cardiac strain. The rise of vaping and nicotine addiction adds another layer of danger for young hearts.
According to Dr. Amit Gupta of the Global Metabolic Health Alliance, tight control of blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and body weight is essential. Conditions like diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidaemia, and fatty liver disease dramatically increase the likelihood of a cardiac event.
Building Heart‑Smart Habits Early
Increasing rates of childhood obesity have doctors sounding the alarm. Families are encouraged to instil healthy eating practices, regular physical activity, and sensible portion control from a young age, laying a solid foundation for lifelong cardiovascular wellness.
For adults, ongoing monitoring of glucose, blood pressure, and weight, strict adherence to prescribed medication, and periodic consultations with healthcare providers remain vital components of heart protection.
“Safeguarding the heart is a lifelong commitment, not a reaction to a crisis,” the experts conclude.
