There’s good news and bad news. Although people around the world are suffering fewer heart attacks as a whole, the rate of heart attacks for people under 40 is increasing.
Experts still aren’t sure why heart attacks are more common in men than in women. Differences in risk factors, such as high cholesterol do not explain the contrast. A recent study found that greater female longevity is a relatively new demographic phenomenon that emerged among people born in the late 19th century. As technology and society progressed in the 20th century, life expectancy steadily rose along with it, and female life expectancy stretched several years above that of men.
For the last several decades, aging has been established as one of the biggest risk factors for heart attacks, typically affecting 50+ men. However, as observed now-a-days, men in their 20s, 30s and 40s are more often falling victim to these cardiovascular attacks.
In a recent news from Madhya Pradesh in May this year, a 16-year-old boy died of cardiac arrest after playing PUBG on his mobile phone for six hours at a stretch, and apparently losing a ‘battle’. Furkan Qureshi, a Class XII student, suddenly became agitated while playing PUB-G and started shouting, before he collapsed on the floor.
There is always a primary and secondary prevention when it comes to heart attacks. But recently, there’s been a shift to the idea of primordial prevention. This means trying to prevent the progression of the heart attack risk factors themselves. You need to change the social and environmental conditions that could develop and progress risk factors.
Primordial prevention also includes education about what behaviors put you at risk for cardiovascular disease. These include:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
- Type 2 diabetes
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
This is another common cause of heart attacks in young people, including young athletes, and is usually inherited. Caused by a mutation of the genes in the heart muscles, the condition is characterized by enlarged cardiac muscle cells. This enlargement causes the walls of the ventricles (the heart’s “pump”) to thicken, which can block the blood flow. The ventricle must then work harder to pump the blood flow making physical activity unsafe, and often this escapes early detection.
Preventing Heart Attacks in Young People
The prevention of heart disease in young men is the same as for older lot: better diet, regular exercise, weight control, routine check-ups, and smoking cessation.
Lifestyle Changes
1. Stop Smoking
If you smoke, quit it today, or at least start with smaller deadlines. If someone in your household smokes, encourage them to quit too. We know it’s tough. But remember it’s tougher to recover from a heart attack or stroke or to live with chronic heart disease. Stay Committed
2. A Balanced Diet Is A Must
A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight cardiovascular disease. The food you eat and the quantity you consume can affect other controllable risk factors: cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and overweight. Choose nutrient-rich foods which have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but are lower in calories. Opt for a diet that emphasizes intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; includes low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, veggies, nuts. Limit your intake of sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages and red meats.
3. Be Physically Active Daily – Choose Your Regime
Research has shown that at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level. If you’re inactive now, you need to plan some form of exercise daily. Even a few minutes at a time may offer some health benefits.
4. Watch Your Weight
Obesity is highly prevalent in globally today, not only for adults but also for children. Fad diets and supplements are not the answer. Good nutrition, controlling calorie intake and physical activity are the only way to maintain a healthy weight. Watching your weight is not just about your appearance, but it leads to risk monitoring to prevent physical ailments.
5. Reduce Stress
This is easier said than done. However, the key to a healthy life is stay happy and reduce emotional strains. A few studies have noted a relationship between coronary heart disease risk and stress in a man’s life that affects the risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
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