Understanding Heart Attack Causes: Insights from Experts
The incidence of heart attacks has witnessed a surge post-Covid, with experts noting an alarming rise not only among the elderly but also among the youth. Doctors at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi emphasize that lifestyle factors, smoking, and stress are major contributors to this trend.
Insights from Dr. Tarun Kumar
Dr. Tarun Kumar, Professor in the Department of Cardiology at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Delhi, underscores the concerning rise in sudden cardiac deaths, particularly among the youth. He attributes these occurrences to heart attacks, often preceded by symptoms such as fainting or chest pain during routine activities like gym workouts or dancing. Dr. Tarun also highlights the emergence of influenza virus H3N2, noting symptoms akin to cough, cold, fever, and body ache, often accompanied by breathing difficulties. While the correlation between this virus and heart attack cases remains uncertain, the post-Covid era has witnessed a notable uptick in heart attack incidences across age groups, signaling a shift in disease demographics.
Impact of Lifestyle Changes
Dr. Tarun underscores the adverse effects of lifestyle alterations during the pandemic, including unhealthy dietary habits and reduced physical activity. He notes a concerning trend of weight gain and unhealthy lifestyle choices among individuals, attributing these factors to the increased prevalence of heart attacks, even among individuals as young as 20 years old. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor dietary habits further exacerbate the risk, leading to a rise in heart attack cases among the youth.
Importance of Timely Intervention
Highlighting the importance of timely medical intervention, Dr. Tarun urges individuals, especially the youth, not to ignore symptoms such as chest pain or breathing difficulties. He emphasizes the significance of consulting a healthcare professional promptly and undergoing necessary diagnostic tests to mitigate risks associated with heart attacks. Dr. Tarun advocates for regular exercise, avoidance of smoking and alcohol consumption, and the cultivation of healthy lifestyle habits, particularly among individuals below 20 years, to reduce the incidence of heart attacks among the youth.
Perspective from Dr. Ajay Shukla
Dr. Ajay Shukla, Director of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, elaborates on the multifactorial nature of heart attacks, attributing them to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and stress. He emphasizes the role of medical advancements in facilitating early diagnosis and intervention, leading to improved outcomes. Dr. Shukla underscores the importance of lifestyle modifications, including dietary adjustments, regular exercise such as yoga, stress management, and maintaining an active lifestyle, as key preventive measures against heart attacks.
