Heart health among young and middle-aged Indians has become a growing concern. The sudden loss of several well-known celebrities and entrepreneurs to heart problems has highlighted this silent epidemic affecting many across the country. This has raised awareness about heart health, emphasizing the importance of understanding crucial questions and key tests that can assess your heart’s condition.
Why Are Heart Events Rising Among Young Indians?
Is it just a few isolated cases, or a real cause for concern?
It’s a serious issue that deserves attention, with more cases being reported.
India carries a staggering 60% of the world’s heart disease burden despite comprising less than 20% of the global population. Alarmingly, 50% of heart attacks among Indian men occur before the age of 50, with 25% happening before the age of 40. Indian women face significantly high mortality rates from cardiac diseases as well[1].
But there’s a silver lining
The good news is that more people are becoming aware of the risks, and taking steps to prevent heart problems. According to Dr Prashant Nag, Vice President, Tata 1mg Labs, “awareness is growing and people have started asking “how can I prevent future risk” instead of waiting for symptoms to appear.
Heart attack, cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac death- too many terms! Are these all related synonyms?
These are related conditions but not the same.
-While cardiac arrest is an electrical problem, heart attack is a circulatory issue.
-A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. Without enough blood and oxygen, heart tissue starts to die. Symptoms include tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back or arms, as well as fatigue, lightheadedness, abnormal heartbeat, and anxiety.
-In cardiac arrest, the heart abruptly stops beating. Symptoms include sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. It needs immediate treatment. Remember, the life-saving CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) procedure is intended for situations of cardiac arrest. Many cardiac arrests in adults happen because of a heart attack.
-Sudden cardiac death (SCD), however, occurs when cardiac arrest leads to death within minutes, often without warning.
Pre-heart attack
| There is something called pre-heart attack too Occasionally, signs of an impending heart attack may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shoulder and/or arm pain and weakness. These may occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack. |
Cause
What is causing heart-related events in young adults?
South Asians including Indians are already predisposed to heart failure due to genetic reasons. Other contributing factors include:
-Poor diet and increased consumption of processed foods
-A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
-Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
-Comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension
-High level of chronic stress
-Unawareness about existing heart health status
-Improper and overexerting workouts without a medical assessment.
COVID & Heart Attack
The Lingering Heartache of COVID
Early in the pandemic, it became clear that COVID-19 infection was linked to an increased risk of blood clots and other cardiovascular problems, both during and after the acute phase of infection. But there was a lack of clear research.
A new study with sufficient data found that being hospitalized for COVID-19 is as risky for future heart problems, like strokes and heart attacks, as having a history of heart disease—and in some cases, the risk is even higher.[2] This suggests that not just the severity of COVID infection but the person’s genetic makeup and presence of other co-morbidities could also determine whether they have a heart-related event.
COVID Vaccine & Heart Events
Is there any link between COVID vaccine and heart events?
The data do not support an association of COVID-19 vaccination with sudden cardiac death among previously healthy young persons, according to the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention).[3]
Diagnostics Tests
What are some essential tests to know about my heart health?
This test measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. High levels of LDL or triglycerides indicate an increased risk of plaque buildup in arteries, leading to heart disease. It is a basic yet vital test to understand your heart’s risk factors and overall lipid health.
For those aged 19 or younger, cholesterol screening is recommended every 5 years, or earlier if there’s a family history of heart issues. Adults aged 20–65 should test every 5 years, with more frequent screening (1–2 years) for men 45–65 and women 55–65, while adults over 65 should test annually.[4]
Book your lipid profile now to understand how healthy your heart is.
2. Cardiac Risk Markers
This test includes markers like hs-CRP, Homocysteine, Apolipoproteins (A1, B), and Lipoprotein A, which help assess inflammation, cholesterol balance, and genetic heart disease risks. These tests provide a detailed risk profile, enabling early detection and prevention of heart disease.
If you are 30 or above, consider cardiac risk markers testing for hidden blood vessel blockages (subclinical atherosclerosis) after consideration of risk factors, especially in the following scenarios[5]:
-Being at moderate or high risk of heart disease (as per doctor’s evaluation)
-Family history of early heart disease, high cholesterol levels or unclear family history
-Suspected or confirmed high cholesterol due to genetics
-Having several heart disease risk factors, for example, smoking, diabetes
3. Exercise Stress Test
An exercise stress test involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are monitored. The intensity gradually increases to evaluate how your heart responds to physical exertion. It’s a safe, non-invasive way to check for issues like irregular rhythms or reduced blood flow.
An exercise stress test is typically recommended for individuals over 40 with risk factors like obesity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease. Frequency depends on health status but is often done every 1-2 years for at-risk individuals.
5. ECG (Electrocardiogram)
An ECG monitors the heart’s electrical activity, detecting abnormal rhythms, heart attacks, and other conditions. This quick, non-invasive test helps identify arrhythmias and irregular heartbeats, early signs of heart risk.
6. Echo (Echocardiogram)
Think of it as an ultrasound. An echo uses sound waves to create an image of the heart, assessing its structure and function. It helps detect issues like valve problems, heart failure, and fluid buildup while evaluating pumping strength and heart size.
An ECG or Echocardiogram is done based on symptoms or a doctor’s advice, often for those with heart conditions or risk factors, regardless of age.
7. Cardiac CT scan
It is a noninvasive, painless test that evaluates your heart and surrounding blood vessels to identify any blockages and narrowing of your arteries. It can also detect any problems with the pumping function of your heart, which may be a sign of heart disease.
Cardiac CT scans are typically recommended for individuals aged 40 and above with risk factors for heart disease.[5] Frequency depends on a doctor’s advice, usually as part of advanced risk assessment or symptom evaluation.
8. Coronary Angiography
This is a procedure where a contrast dye is injected into the main arteries of the heart to reveal blockages or narrowing that could lead to heart attacks. It uses X-ray imaging to provide a detailed view of the heart’s blood vessels, helping identify blockages.
Coronary angiography is typically performed for individuals of any age showing symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain or abnormal stress test results. It is done as needed based on a doctor’s recommendation to evaluate and treat blockages in the coronary arteries.
Please note: While blood tests can and should be done from preventive point of view, go by an expert’s advice for radiology tests like cardiac CT scan or Coronary angiography.
A hearty check-in is important
Regular visits to the doctor for heart health screenings help detect early signs of heart problems, allowing for timely intervention and prevention.
Book a heart health package at the comfort of your home, with the trust of Tata 1mg.
Lifestyle Modifications
What are other important things to take care of your heart?
-Wholesome diet: Consume a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (like chicken and eggs).
-Physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and strengthen the heart.
-No smoking/Limit alcohol: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases heart disease risk, while excessive alcohol can raise blood pressure. Avoid both for better heart health.
-Stress management: Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to lower heart strain caused by chronic stress.
-Know which workout regime suits you: If you’re just starting a workout routine, take it easy at first to give your heart time to adjust. Staying active is great for heart health, but it’s a good idea to check in with a specialist before you jump into any intense exercises. They can screen for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure and help you understand any risks.
Your heart works tirelessly for you—nurture it today for a heartier tomorrow! Stay informed and proactive!
(The article is written by Dr. Swati Mishra, Director (Medical Affairs), and reviewed by Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Vice President (Medical Affairs))
Sources:
Available online at
1. https://indianheartassociation.org/why-indians-why-south-asians/overview/
3. CDC. Assessment of Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death Among Adolescents and Young Adults After Receipt of COVID-19 Vaccine — Oregon, June 2021–December 2022
4. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-cholesterol/diagnosis
5. Based on: Lipid Association of India 2023 update on cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid management in Indian patients: Consensus statement IV.