NDTV Lifeline x Men’s Health: Cardiologist Says Poor Lifestyle Is Driving Early Heart Attacks In Men

Heart illness stays one of many world’s main killers, however docs are more and more involved a few worrying pattern in India, extra males are struggling coronary heart assaults at a a lot youthful age. While genetics and hormones play a job, specialists say unhealthy way of life decisions are rising as the largest driver behind this shift. In an interview with NDTV Lifeline, Dr Vinayak Agrawal, Senior Director and Head of Clinical Cardiology and Advanced Cardiac Imaging at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, defined why males are extra weak to untimely coronary heart illness and why frequent myths proceed to delay analysis and therapy.

Lifestyle Is The Bigger Culprit

According to Dr Agrawal, males have one essential organic drawback in contrast with premenopausal ladies. “Men, by and large, if I compare them with women, hormonally they don’t have oestrogen, which is protective in nature. Premenopausal women have oestrogen which protects them from heart disease.” However, he emphasised that hormones alone don’t clarify the rising burden of heart problems amongst males.

“They tend to have more smokers, more alcohol, sedentary habits. So poor lifestyle is very important. It’s actually the main reason why men are getting heart attacks early.”

Dr Agrawal famous that though coronary heart illness can be rising amongst ladies, the pattern stays extra pronounced in males due to increased publicity to preventable danger elements similar to tobacco use, extreme alcohol consumption, bodily inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits.

Also learn: Heart Attack In 40s: Why Are Healthy And Fit Individuals Still At Risk? Cardiologist Explains

Heart Disease Is Not Just A Disease Of Old Age

One of essentially the most harmful misconceptions, in keeping with Dr Agrawal, is the idea that younger adults are naturally protected in opposition to coronary heart illness. “I think it’s a difficult question to answer in plain speak. I think it’s more to do with a socioeconomic construct. In India, classically, we think that if you’re young, you’re not prone to heart attacks.”

He believes this outdated mindset discourages youthful folks from taking preventive measures or recognising early signs. “The number one myth which I feel has to be broken down is that heart disease or stroke is a disease of the elderly. We are seeing more and more young people getting heart attacks and strokes.”

Doctors say rising charges of weight problems, diabetes, hypertension, continual stress, poor sleep and sedentary life are all contributing to the sooner onset of heart problems.

Delaying Medical Help Can Be Dangerous

Dr Agrawal additionally pointed to a different main concern: many individuals ignore signs till they turn out to be extreme. “Generally, we tend to shy away from seeking medical help early unless it’s right in your face.” This reluctance can show pricey. Symptoms similar to chest ache or stress, breathlessness, ache radiating to the jaw or left arm, sudden sweating, dizziness or unexplained fatigue ought to by no means be ignored. Seeking emergency medical care on the earliest can considerably enhance survival and scale back long-term problems.

Lifestyle Changes Can Lower Your Risk

Although some danger elements similar to age and household historical past can’t be modified, cardiologists say nearly all of coronary heart illness danger is linked to way of life. Simple measures similar to quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising repeatedly, sustaining a wholesome weight, consuming a balanced weight loss program wealthy in fruits, greens and entire grains, managing stress and getting satisfactory sleep can considerably scale back the chance of coronary heart illness. Regular well being screenings for blood stress, ldl cholesterol and diabetes are additionally important, notably for folks with a household historical past of heart problems.

Also learn: Heart Disease, Diabetes And Cancer: Biggest Health Risks For Indian Men Explained

Dr Agrawal’s message is easy: coronary heart assaults are now not confined to older adults, and males mustn’t assume they’re protected just because they’re younger. While organic elements might improve males’s vulnerability, unhealthy way of life habits stay the largest contributor to untimely coronary heart illness. Breaking myths, recognising warning indicators early and in search of well timed medical care might assist reverse the rising pattern of coronary heart assaults amongst younger Indians and save numerous lives.

Disclaimer: This content material together with recommendation supplies generic info solely. It is by no means an alternative choice to a certified medical opinion. Always seek the advice of a specialist or your individual physician for extra info. NDTV doesn’t declare accountability for this info.