Why are so many young Indians dying of heart attacks? A doctor from AIIMS explains

Many people were taken aback by the death of Siddharth Shukla, 40. On Thursday, the actor and Big Boss Season-13 winner died, with initial reports indicating a heart attack as the reason of death.

Heart problems among young Indians have recently become a source of worry for health professionals. The reason for the increase in heart attack incidence in comparatively younger age groups in India is being discussed.

Dr. Ambuj Roy, professor of cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, outlined in detail the major causes for the surge in heart attack and cardiac arrest cases among the younger generation in an exclusive interview with India Today.

Dr Roy emphasised that mental stress, physical health and other reasons were linked to rising cases of heart disorders among young Indians. Excerpts:

IT: Why are these deaths happening in people who exercise and eat healthy too?

Dr Roy: Exercising is not the only thing. Stress is driving more and more people into alcohol and drugs. People exercise but to release stress, they end up smoking and drugs abuse. The hormone changes happening in the body due to these are directly linked to heart disorders.

IT: How much of a role do stress and mental health play when we speak of heart attacks?

Dr Roy: Mental health is equally important. We are so driven in our lives and jobs and in general. Our lifestyle is very stressful.

Many people are working long hours around the clock without realising that they have not given time to their own physical and mental health.

It is the pressure to prove oneself in the professional life that is also leading to this high-voltage lifestyle where little time is given to personal health.

IT: Is genetic predisposition or family history also a factor?

Dr Roy: Asians are more predisposed to having cardiac disorders due to our genes. And, there is nothing we can do about it. One of the reasons is the genetic formation. Hence, young people in our country are facing heart attacks more than our western counterparts.

IT: What can people do to prevent these disorders?

Dr Roy: Get regular health check-ups. Avoid smoking to release stress. Avoid drugs abuse. Take care of mental health through meditation and yoga. One needs to ‘slow down’ to check our lifestyle habits.