Heart Disease Can Affect Healthy People Too, Doctors Say
Heart disease, including heart attacks, is rising globally and in India. Data shows that India saw a 12.5% increase in heart attack deaths in 2022. Heart disease is no longer just a condition of older adults. Professionals aged 35-45 are increasingly at risk, even if they lead healthy lifestyles. Studies show South Asians, including Indians, have higher heart disease rates due to hidden fat around organs and lower muscle mass.
Dr. Manish Bansal, Senior Director at Medanta, Gurugram, explained why healthy-looking people may develop heart disease.
Genetics: Family history plays a major role. Inherited conditions like high cholesterol or blood pressure can raise risk, regardless of lifestyle.
Chronic Stress: Long-term stress increases blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation, damaging blood vessels over time.
Environmental Factors: Pollution, especially fine particles (PM2.5), can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and increasing heart disease risk.
Unrecognized Conditions: Some people have hidden risks like high lipoprotein(a) levels, chronic inflammation, or past infections that affect heart health.
Dietary Nuances: Even without obesity, diets high in sugar, unhealthy fats, or processed foods can harm the heart.
Dr. Bansal emphasizes that detecting heart disease in healthy individuals requires personalized evaluation of genetics, environment, stress, and lesser-known biomarkers.
Tips to Reduce Risk:
- Know your family history and discuss with a doctor.
- Practice stress management like yoga or meditation.
- Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
- Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol with regular check-ups.
- Get 7-9 hours of sleep daily.
- Stay hydrated and be aware of hidden conditions affecting the heart.
By following these habits, even healthy individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and maintain overall well-being.
