New Delhi. Although heart disease has traditionally been associated with older age groups, clinicians 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 Protecting the Heart Before a Crisis Hits
Renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Shriram Nene emphasizes that heart health management should commence long before any symptoms appear. He urges a balanced approach that includes prevention, early detection of warning signs, and swift medical intervention when needed.
Dr. Naresh Trehan, a leading heart surgeon and chairman of Medanta, advises anyone with a family history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes to undergo screening before turning 25. Those without such a background should discuss appropriate check‑ups with their doctor by age 30. Modern diagnostics such as genome sequencing can uncover inherited susceptibilities, while physicians combine family history, laboratory results and lifestyle information to calculate overall risk.
Dietary Shifts and Lifestyle Choices Under Scrutiny
Prof. Monica Arora, Vice‑President of the Research and Health Promotion Division at the Public Health Foundation of India, links the growing burden of heart disease to rapid changes in eating patterns. She points out that the surge in processed and convenience foods is displacing traditional Indian meals, eroding cardiovascular health.
All tobacco products—cigarettes, gutka, and other smokeless forms—remain powerful contributors to heart disease. The rise of vaping and nicotine addiction adds another layer of risk 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 indispensable. Diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and fatty liver disease dramatically increase the likelihood of a cardiac event.
Cultivating Heart‑Smart Habits Early
Rising rates of childhood obesity are sounding alarms across the medical community. Experts stress the importance of teaching children how to manage weight, stay active, and choose nutrient‑dense foods from an early age, laying a foundation for lifelong heart health.
For older adults, regular monitoring of glucose, blood pressure, and weight, strict adherence to prescribed medications, and scheduled visits to health professionals remain vital components of heart‑care maintenance.
“Safeguarding the heart is a lifelong commitment, not a reaction to an emergency,” the specialists conclude.
