Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, affecting millions of people, including younger populations. The rise in heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and congenital heart defects highlights the urgent need for greater awareness of the risk factors and preventive measures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs were responsible for 17.9 million deaths in 2019, with 85% of these fatalities caused by heart attacks and strokes. Shockingly, 38% of these deaths occurred in individuals under the age of 70.
In this article, we consult with Dr. Sukriti Bhalla, Senior Consultant in Cardiology at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, to discuss the growing concerns about heart disease and the steps we can take to combat it.
Common Types of Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Symptoms
Cardiovascular diseases can be categorized into several types, each with its own set of symptoms and risk factors. The most common heart conditions include:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
- Affects the arteries supplying blood to the heart.
- Symptoms: Palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medications, or surgical interventions (e.g., stents or bypass surgery).
- Structural Heart Disease:
- Includes issues like valve defects or congenital heart defects.
- Symptoms: Chest heaviness, breathlessness, and palpitations.
- Treatment: Surgery, medications, or monitoring.
- Hypertensive Heart Disease:
- Caused by high blood pressure that strains the heart over time.
- Symptoms: Similar to CAD but often includes headaches and dizziness.
- Treatment: Blood pressure control through medications and lifestyle modifications.
- Congenital Heart Defects:
- Present from birth, these include conditions like atrial or ventricular septal defects.
- Symptoms: Rapid breathing, poor feeding in infants, or bluish skin.
- Early detection is possible through fetal echocardiograms.
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases
Dr. Bhalla emphasizes two main categories of risk factors:
- Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Unhealthy Diet: High intake of processed foods, fried items, and excessive fats.
- Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity and hypertension.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Both habits significantly raise the risk of developing heart disease.
- Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Genetics: A family history of heart disease can significantly increase an individual’s risk. People with genetic predispositions should start preventive measures early, including regular health checkups and monitoring cholesterol levels.
Rising Heart Disease in Youth: What’s Driving It?
One of the most alarming trends in recent years is the increasing number of younger individuals being diagnosed with heart disease. Dr. Bhalla identifies several key factors:
- Unhealthy Eating Habits: High consumption of fast food, sugary beverages, and palm oil contribute to early-onset heart disease.
- Lack of Physical Activity: With more young people leading sedentary lives, obesity and heart disease are becoming more common.
- Gym Risks: Dr. Bhalla warns that using anabolic steroids and some protein supplements can damage the heart, leading to conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Stress: High levels of stress, often caused by career pressures, contribute to the growing incidence of heart disease among young people.
Role of Genetics in Heart Disease
Genetics plays a significant role in heart disease, and individuals with a family history of heart conditions should take extra precautions. If a parent had a heart attack at a young age, their children are at a higher risk of developing heart issues earlier.
Regular checkups and lifestyle changes can mitigate genetic risks. For example, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check through diet, exercise, and medication can reduce the likelihood of a heart attack.
Technology’s Impact on Heart Health
In recent years, technology has revolutionized the way we monitor and manage heart health:
- Wearable Devices: Smartwatches and fitness trackers can monitor heart rate, physical activity, and even offer basic electrocardiogram (ECG) readings. These devices can provide early warnings of potential issues, allowing for timely medical intervention.
- Telemedicine: Telehealth platforms allow patients to consult with cardiologists from the comfort of their homes. This is especially helpful for individuals in rural or underserved areas who may have difficulty accessing specialized heart care.
Women’s Heart Health: Underdiagnosed and Overlooked
Heart disease in women is often underdiagnosed because their symptoms may differ from men. Dr. Bhalla points out that women frequently experience subtler symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, or pain in the jaw or back, rather than the typical chest pain associated with heart attacks in men.
Women need to be proactive about their heart health, especially as they age or undergo hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause. Increased awareness among women and healthcare providers is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Heart Health
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on heart health, particularly among those with pre-existing conditions. The virus has been linked to cardiovascular complications like myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and blood clots. Even those who had no prior heart issues are reporting long-term cardiovascular symptoms, such as chest pain and fatigue, after recovering from COVID-19.
Dr. Bhalla recommends that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 should continue to monitor their heart health closely. Regular checkups and attention to symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue are essential.
Conclusion: Prevention is Key
Cardiovascular disease is a global health crisis, but many cases can be prevented with lifestyle changes and early detection. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and managing stress are essential steps to protect heart health. Regular checkups, especially for individuals with genetic risk factors, can help detect issues early and prevent more severe complications.
By making heart health a priority, we can significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and improve overall quality of life.