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Economic Times
18 hours ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Shefali Jariwala's shocking death at 42: Apollo doctor explains why younger Indians are vulnerable to heart attacks and reveals silent symptoms
India's Silent But Deadly Epidemic Why Heart Problems Are Becoming Rampant Among Young? Hidden Hypertension and Elevated Cholesterol Levels Tobacco Use and E-Cigarettes Blood Sugar Imbalances and Insulin Dysfunction Chronic Psychological Strain and Irregular Sleep Patterns Physical Inactivity or Excessive Exercise Recreational Substance Abuse Autoimmune Conditions Inherited Cardiac Disorders Why Even 'Healthy' People May Be at Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Inherited Cardiac Disorders Abnormal Development of Coronary Arteries Irregular Electrical Activity in the Heart Excessive Emotional or Physiological Stress Ongoing Low-Level Inflammation in the Body Metabolic Dysfunction Hidden Behind a Lean Frame Women May Experience Different Symptoms Nausea, indigestion and vomiting Fatigue. Dizziness. Pain in nec, shoulder or back. Mild chest pain. Cardiac Arrest Red Flags Never To Ignore iStock Have A Heart Healthy Diet iStock Is Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest The Same? Fans of Shefali Jariwala were left in a state of shock after the news of the actress's death hit headlines. Jariwala, best known for the 2002 chartbuster 'Kaanta Laga', passed away at the age of 42 due to a massive cardiac arrest. As per a Times Of India report, Jariwala was rushed to the Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital by her husband Parag Tyagi, but was declared dead upon sudden demise has thrown light to India's silent but deadly epidemic - heart attacks in people younger than aging is a well-established factor that raises the likelihood of heart attacks—with men typically facing increased vulnerability after the age of 45 and women after 55—the idea that heart attacks only affect older adults is increasingly being challenged. Alarmingly, individuals in their 30s and 40s are not exempt from this life-threatening India, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) tends to strike at a significantly earlier stage in life when compared to other global populations. According to medical experts, over half of the fatalities related to CAD in the Indian population are recorded in people younger than 50. This early onset of cardiac events is a troubling national health trend, with young adults bearing a surprising portion of the studies have observed that between 25% and 40% of patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (commonly referred to as a heart attack) are under the age of 40. These figures underscore the alarming presence of cardiac issues among the youth and contradict the commonly held belief that heart ailments are a problem only for the disturbing pattern appears to be unique to Indians, who, as per epidemiological data, experience heart attacks nearly ten years earlier than individuals belonging to other ethnic communities. The Indian Heart Association has corroborated this claim, citing data that highlights a significant incidence of early cardiac events. A report released by Apollo Hospitals, referencing Indian Heart Association statistics, emphasizes that 50% of heart attacks in India occur in people below 50 years of age. Even more concerning, one in four heart attacks affect Indians who are under early age of onset not only points to a deeply rooted genetic predisposition among Indians but also reflects broader lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to early cardiovascular damage. Poor diet, high stress levels, lack of exercise, and increasing rates of smoking and diabetes are compounding the problem, leading to a silent crisis in heart health among the country's younger an interview with ET Panache, Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist & Director Cathlab, Apollo Hospitals Indore, outlined some genetic and lifestyle factors which may make people younger than 50, vulnerable to heart issues. These include:Unrecognized high blood pressure and undetected spikes in cholesterol can silently wear down the walls of the arteries over years. These conditions, often showing no symptoms in the early stages, steadily narrow and weaken blood vessels, laying the foundation for future heart-related it's conventional smoking or modern vaping, both introduce harmful chemicals that hasten the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels. This buildup, known as plaque, clogs arteries and restricts blood flow, greatly elevating the likelihood of a heart living with diabetes — and even those with mild insulin resistance — face a significantly greater danger of heart problems. Elevated glucose levels damage the blood vessels and impair their ability to function efficiently, heightening cardiovascular risk even in younger emotional stress, combined with insufficient or poor-quality sleep, can spark harmful changes within the cardiovascular system. Persistent tension may cause arterial spasms or promote inflammation, both of which can interfere with normal heart rhythms and blood overly sedentary lifestyle deprives the heart of the movement it needs to remain strong, while overexerting the body without proper recovery can place excessive strain on the heart. Both lack of activity and extreme workouts have been linked to weakened cardiac function and increased vulnerability to heart drugs such as cocaine and stimulant-based substances like amphetamines are known to trigger abrupt and severe cardiac episodes. These chemicals can cause sudden narrowing of arteries, abnormal heart rhythms, and increased blood pressure — all of which can be such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis don't just affect joints and skin — they can also inflict damage on the blood vessels. The body's own immune system, in a state of constant activation, may inflame arteries and raise the risk of plaque formation and arterial conditions such as Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and Long QT Syndrome often remain undiagnosed, especially in younger populations. These hereditary heart irregularities can disrupt normal heart rhythms and may result in sudden, fatal cardiac incidents if not identified and managed in Rao emphasized that a person's external appearance of fitness does not always guarantee a healthy heart. Beneath the surface, several hidden factors can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest—even in individuals who appear slim, active, and in good shape. Here's a breakdown of the underlying causes that can silently endanger seemingly healthy lives:Some people carry genetic abnormalities like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. This condition can exist without any noticeable signs, yet it significantly raises the risk of heart failure or arrhythmias, especially during physical rare, some individuals are born with unusual formations in their coronary arteries. These structural irregularities can hinder proper blood flow to the heart, especially during intense activity or stress. Often undiagnosed until a serious episode occurs, these anomalies can be such as Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome interfere with the heart's natural rhythm. These electrical conditions can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically—sometimes leading to sudden collapse without any prior psychological strain or surging cortisol levels (the stress hormone) can overwhelm the cardiovascular system. Even those in good physical shape can experience what's often referred to as 'broken heart syndrome,' where acute emotional trauma results in a temporary, but severe, weakening of the heart muscle.A continuous state of internal inflammation—caused by an unhealthy diet, autoimmune diseases, or lingering infections—can gradually damage blood vessels and heart tissues. This inflammation may remain unnoticed for years but still contributes to long-term cardiovascular because someone is slim doesn't mean they're metabolically healthy. Some individuals suffer from a condition known as 'normal-weight obesity,' where harmful visceral fat accumulates around vital organs despite a normal body mass index. These hidden fat stores can disrupt hormones and metabolism, increasing the likelihood of heart Rao underlined that an impending cardiac arrest may manifest through different symptoms in men and women. Women are more likely to experience:Seek immediate help if you or someone experiences:⦁ Persistent chest pain, pressure, or tightness⦁ Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort⦁ Pain that spreads to arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach⦁ Nausea or vomiting not linked to food⦁ Cold sweats or clammy skin⦁ Sudden fatigue or dizziness⦁ A feeling of dread or anxiety⦁ Golden Rule: If symptoms last more than 5 minutes, call emergency services — don't self-diagnose or certain factors like a genetic predisposition towards heart problems are out of your control, you can certainly lower your risk by following a heart healthy diet free from processed food items and high calorie dishes, explains Dr Rao.A heart-healthy diet focuses on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich, and balanced eating. Top choices include:⦁ Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines (rich in omega-3s)⦁ Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, leafy greens, avocados⦁ Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, barley, brown rice⦁ Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds⦁ Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, beans Olive Oil : Replace butter or ghee for cooking⦁ Dark Chocolate (in moderation): Contains heart-healthy flavonoids⦁ Green Tea: May reduce blood pressure and cholesterol⦁ Low-fat Dairy or Fortified Plant Milk: For calcium and potassiumLimit your intake of processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, excess sodium, and trans outlined by the British Heart Foundation , it is important to understand that a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are two distinct medical emergencies, even though they are often confused.A heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle—becomes obstructed. When this blockage happens, the flow of blood to a portion of the heart is disrupted, depriving it of the oxygen it needs to function properly. Without prompt medical intervention, this oxygen deprivation can lead to the gradual damage or death of heart muscle contrast, a cardiac arrest is a much more immediate and life-threatening event. It takes place when the heart suddenly stops functioning as a pump and fails to circulate blood throughout the body. As a result, the individual stops breathing or breathes abnormally and loses consciousness very quickly. This condition requires urgent resuscitation, often with CPR or a defibrillator, to restart the heart and restore to the British Heart Foundation, in many adult cases, cardiac arrests are actually triggered by a heart attack. This happens because the damage or stress caused by the heart attack can lead to an abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythm—known medically as an arrhythmia—which may then result in the heart ceasing to beat the relationship between these two conditions is crucial. While a heart attack is primarily a circulation problem caused by blocked arteries, a cardiac arrest is an electrical issue where the heart's rhythm fails, often as a consequence of the damage done during a heart attack. Recognizing the symptoms early and responding quickly can mean the difference between life and death.
News18
27-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Fit but at Risk: Why Even Healthy-Looking People Suffer Heart Attacks?
Last Updated: Preventing heart attacks especially among individuals who seem healthy, requires a complete holistic approach The heart is arguably one of the most critical organs within the human body, pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout. While physical fitness and a lean body are frequently viewed as indicators of good health, recent medical cases indicate that people who appear healthy and exercise regularly are not immune to heart attack. This increasing phenomenon has left most surprised and worried, particularly when the marathon runners, athletes, or gym enthusiasts are the victims of sudden cardiac events. It points towards the urgent necessity of knowing the underlying parameters that put seemingly fit people at the risk of heart disease. According to a study by the Indian Heart Association, more than 50% of heart attack fatalities in India happen among individuals under 50 years of age, and most of these individuals have no existing history of heart diseases. 1. Genetics and family history: An individual can inherit a tendency toward high cholesterol or premature heart disease. Genetic risks can raise the odds of arterial blockages or abnormal heart rhythms even when leading a healthy life. 2. High levels of stress: Corporate workers and high achievers tend to stay fit in appearance but live with chronic stress. Constant exposure to stress hormones such as cortisol can increase blood pressure and inflammation, causing harm to the arteries over time. 3. Undiagnosed high blood pressure: High blood pressure is often referred to as the 'silent killer." It can exist without symptoms, even in fit individuals. If left untreated, it can stiffen arteries and weaken the heart muscle, leading to heart attacks. 4. Excessive unsupervised exercise: Regular exercise is good, but excessive exercise or sudden rigorous exercise without warm-ups can put strain on the heart, especially if there are undiagnosed underlying conditions. 5. Misleading health indicators: Having a low body fat or a six-pack does not guarantee good internal health. Some people stay fit on the outside but may still have elevated LDL cholesterol, insulin resistance, or plaque-buildup in arteries. 6. Substance use or supplements: The use of anabolic steroids, protein powders with additives of unknown nature, or even energy drinks can cause arrhythmias and blood pressure spikes, especially when combined with intense workouts. Tips for preventing heart attacks Preventing heart attacks especially among individuals who seem healthy, requires a complete holistic approach. Alongside regular monitoring, early detection, and lifestyle adjustments, modern heart care also includes advances treatments like Valve Replacement, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), and Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs). These interventional treatments help restore heart's function and can prove lifesaving for people where damage is already done. It is important to remember that heart health is not necessarily about staying healthy-looking, it is about consistent inner care, awareness of genetic risk factors, and regular medical screenings. Even if you feel healthy and fit, being proactive today may protect your heart tomorrow. Disclaimer: Issued in public interest and for educational purposes only. The content of this article is not meant to provide medical or clinical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information.
