Heart attacks were prevalent and considered a disease that affects middle-aged and older individuals. But for the past one or two decades, the age group suffering from heart attacks has been reducing gradually due to changing lifestyles. ALSO READ: Why insufficient physical activity is a health hazard Now, cases of heart attacks and death due to sudden cardiac arrest are seen in individuals as young as in their thirties and even twenties. This is a matter of grave concern, as these persons are the productive members of any society. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart is stopped suddenly, and that part of the muscle dies, thus affecting the functioning of the heart. This can cause sudden cardiac arrest. ALSO READ: How to control hypertension through lifestyle changes The most important factor that seems responsible for it in young persons is lifestyle. There has been an increase in the consumption of fast and ready-to-eat food. Such foods contain a lot of fat, chemicals, white sugar, and white salt — all of which enhance blood pressure and bad lipids, which are risk factors for blockage of blood vessels, including those of the heart. Alcohol and cigarettes, consumed for recreation, enhance the risk. Sodas increase the risk of heart attack because of their very high sugar content. Diet sodas also make one prone to heart problems because of artificial sweeteners like erythritol, which increase the risk of clot formation. White-collar, or desk workers often sit continuously for seven to eight hours daily for their work. Prolonged sitting leads to central obesity, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes — another risk factor for heart attacks. Chronic stress leads to high blood pressure and inflammation, both of which directly damage the heart. It is well known that in today’s competitive world, a greater number of people are stressed in all age groups for multiple reasons. Some environmental factors are also responsible for heart attacks. Increasing noise pollution in urban areas, due to many reasons, enhances cardiovascular disease risk. Air pollution causes inflammation and buildup of plaque in the arteries, causing blockages and resulting in heart attacks and other heart problems. There is increasing use of chemicals and heavy metals in the workplace, in body care products, and in food items such as preservatives, colouring, and flavouring agents. Many of these chemicals and heavy metals disrupt the electric circuit of the heart, causing rhythm disturbances and cardiac arrest. Climate changes happening the world over impact heart health as well. Extreme climates — whether hot or cold — cause heart strain, narrowing of blood vessels, and enhanced inflammatory response. This increases vulnerability to heart attacks. It is vital to be aware of heart attacks so that if ever one happens, necessary first aid measures can be taken, and the person can be taken to the nearest health facility immediately. Sudden squeezing, tightness, or pressure on the chest, particularly on the left side, is the most common symptom of a heart attack. The discomfort may spread to the arm, shoulder bone, neck, back, or abdomen, or occur in one or more of these parts only. Along with pain, one may experience sudden severe shortness of breath, which can occur even at rest. On standing, one may feel dizzy, and the hands may become cold and clammy. Nausea and, or, vomiting, may accompany heart attack symptoms. If any one or more of these symptoms occur, emergency services should be called immediately by the affected person, if possible, or by someone nearby. If there is a need to wait for help, the person should be put in a comfortable position, clothes loosened, and any constricting object removed. A tablet of aspirin should be placed below the tongue immediately. If the person has a low pulse or cold, clammy feet — signs of very low blood pressure — legs should be elevated. A healthy diet, regular physical exercise, adequate relaxation, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are measures that are useful in preventing heart attacks. The writer is a specialist in internal medicine.
