A significant number of people in India are experiencing heart attacks
Stay alert to heart attack risks—recognise symptoms, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and seek medical help if needed to protect your heart health.
More and more people in India are dying of heart attacks. From teenagers to the elderly, some die during exercise, some die during dancing, some die during driving, and some die during walking. What is the reason for this incident?
The thought of the people was influenced by the coronavirus, but my opinion is different from theirs. The following are the reasons for ignoring the rules:
1. Changing Lifestyles:
One of the primary reasons for the increasing number of heart attacks in India is the changing lifestyle. Modernisation and urbanisation have led to sedentary lifestyles, with many people spending long hours sitting at desks, using electronic devices, and consuming unhealthy foods. This lack of physical activity and poor dietary choices can lead to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
2. Diet and nutrition:
The Indian diet has also undergone significant changes. Traditional diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been replaced by high-fat, high-sugar, and processed foods. This shift in dietary habits has contributed to the rising rates of obesity and other risk factors for heart disease.
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- 3. Tobacco and Alcohol Use: The use of tobacco and alcohol is prevalent in India. Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are major contributors to heart disease. The harmful effects of tobacco on cardiovascular health are well-established, and alcohol abuse can lead to high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy.
4. Air Pollution:
Air pollution is a growing concern in India, especially in metropolitan areas. Exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Fine particulate matter and pollutants in the air can have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health.
5. Stress:
Stress is another significant factor in heart disease. The fast-paced, competitive, and often stressful lifestyles in urban areas can lead to chronic stress, which is a known risk factor for heart attacks. The pressure to perform well academically and professionally can take a toll on individuals’ mental and physical well-being.
6. Lack of Awareness:
A lack of awareness about heart health and preventive measures is prevalent in many parts of India. Many individuals, especially in rural areas, do not have access to healthcare or education about heart disease risk factors and prevention. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
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7. Healthcare Infrastructure:
Access to quality healthcare and affordable treatment options is still a challenge in many parts of India. Timely access to medical care is crucial during a heart attack, as delays result in more severe damage to the heart muscle. The inadequacy of healthcare infrastructure in some regions can contribute to higher mortality rates.
8. Genetics and Family History:
Genetic factors can also play a role in the prevalence of heart attacks. If there is a family history of heart disease, individuals may be at a higher risk. Genetic predisposition, combined with lifestyle factors, can increase the likelihood of heart attacks.
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9. Poor Management of Chronic Conditions:
Many people in India have chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Inadequate management of these conditions can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks. Regular monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications are crucial in managing these conditions effectively.
10: Gender Disparities:
Heart disease has historically been considered a male health issue, leading to disparities in awareness and diagnosis among women. However, heart disease affects women as well, and efforts to raise awareness and ensure equitable healthcare for both genders are essential.
Sleep deprivation and heart disease
Another alarming factor contributing to the rise in heart attacks is sleep deprivation. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many individuals sacrifice proper sleep for work, entertainment, or social activities. Scientific studies have repeatedly shown that insufficient or poor-quality sleep increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Lack of sleep disrupts hormonal balance, increases blood pressure, and elevates stress hormones, all of which can trigger heart problems. Proper sleep of 7–8 hours per night should be seen as a health necessity rather than a luxury.
Childhood obesity and heart attacks
Obesity among children and young adults has also become a matter of concern. The easy availability of junk food, lack of physical activity due to digital addiction, and peer pressure towards unhealthy eating habits are setting the stage for heart problems at an early age. Childhood obesity can cause early onset of high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure, all of which are precursors to cardiovascular diseases. Schools and parents must work together to encourage healthier habits from a young age.
Importance of regular health check-ups
Another major reason behind sudden heart attacks is the lack of routine health check-ups. Many Indians, especially young people, assume that heart disease is a problem only for the elderly. As a result, they ignore regular medical screenings. However, silent conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol often go unnoticed until they cause severe damage. Routine check-ups, even once a year, can detect these hidden risks early and save lives.
Technology addiction and sedentary lifestyle
Technology addiction is also indirectly adding to the problem. Spending long hours on mobile phones, video games, or social media platforms reduces physical movement and promotes sedentary behaviour. Excessive screen time at night also disrupts sleep cycles, increasing stress and obesity, which ultimately strain the heart. Balancing the use of technology with outdoor activities and exercise is essential for a healthier heart.
Mental health and heart problems
It is also worth noting that mental health issues are deeply linked with cardiovascular diseases. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness have been shown to increase the risk of heart attacks. Unfortunately, mental health is still a taboo subject in many parts of India. Ignoring mental well-being not only worsens emotional health but also puts the heart at greater risk. Community-based counselling, meditation, yoga, and open discussions on mental health can play a critical role in reducing heart disease cases.
Urban-rural healthcare divide in India
The urban-rural divide in healthcare facilities further intensifies the problem. While metropolitan cities may have advanced hospitals and cardiologists, rural areas often struggle with poor medical infrastructure and lack of awareness. Many rural patients fail to receive immediate medical attention during a heart attack, leading to higher death rates. Bridging this gap by strengthening rural healthcare, mobile medical units, and awareness campaigns is crucial.
Steroid and supplement misuse in fitness
Another factor that deserves attention is the rising use of performance-enhancing substances and gym supplements among young people. In the desire for quick results in bodybuilding or fitness, many individuals consume unregulated supplements, steroids, and energy boosters. These substances can create immense pressure on the heart, sometimes leading to sudden cardiac arrest. Proper guidance from certified trainers and doctors is necessary to prevent such tragedies.
Climate change and cardiovascular health
Climate change and rising temperatures also play an indirect role. Extreme heat increases dehydration, thickens the blood, and raises blood pressure, all of which can trigger heart attacks, particularly in vulnerable individuals. As India faces harsher summers and unpredictable weather, people need to adapt by staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat, and taking preventive care.
Public health campaigns for heart disease prevention
To reduce the burden of heart disease, government, society, and individuals must work collectively. Public health campaigns should be conducted on a larger scale to educate people about diet, exercise, and regular check-ups. Workplaces should encourage stress management programmes and provide health screenings. Schools must introduce fitness and health education into their curriculum to instil lifelong healthy habits in children.
Lifestyle changes for better heart health
Lastly, every individual must take personal responsibility for their heart health. Preventive measures such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, managing weight, staying active, and maintaining a positive mental outlook can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks. Heart health is not just a medical issue; it is a lifestyle commitment that requires awareness, discipline, and balance in daily life.
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