New Delhi. Although heart disease has traditionally been associated with older age groups, physicians now observe a disconcerting rise in heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrests among people in their twenties and thirties. This shift is driving a new wave of advocacy for early‑stage screening and preventive care.
Act Before the Alarm Sounds
Renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Shriram Nene warns that waiting for a heart‑related emergency is a risky strategy. He urges a balanced approach that includes disease prevention, early identification of warning signs, and swift medical intervention when needed.
Dr. Naresh Trehan, chairman of Medanta and a leading heart surgeon, recommends that individuals with a family history of cardiovascular problems or diabetes begin formal screening before they turn 25. Those without such a background should discuss appropriate check‑ups with their doctor by age 30. Advanced tools such as genome sequencing can uncover inherited susceptibilities, while clinicians combine family history, laboratory results, and lifestyle information to calculate overall risk.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Under Scrutiny
Prof. Monica Arora, vice‑president of the Research and Health Promotion Division at the Public Health Foundation of India, links the growing heart‑disease burden to a drift away from traditional Indian diets toward highly processed, calorie‑dense foods. This nutritional transition erodes cardiovascular resilience.
All tobacco products—cigarettes, gutka, and other smokeless forms—remain major contributors to cardiac strain. The rise of vaping and nicotine‑based devices adds another layer of risk for the heart.
Dr. Amit Gupta of the Global Metabolic Health Alliance stresses that maintaining optimal blood‑sugar, blood‑pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight is essential. Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidaemia, and fatty liver disease markedly increase the likelihood of a cardiac event.
Cultivating Heart‑Healthy Habits Early
The surge in childhood obesity has alarmed health experts, who now call on families to instil weight‑management practices from a young age. Consistent physical activity and balanced nutrition form the foundation for lifelong cardiac wellness.
For adults, regular monitoring of glucose, blood pressure, and weight, strict adherence to prescribed medication, and periodic consultations with healthcare professionals remain indispensable components of heart‑care maintenance.
“Safeguarding the heart is a lifelong commitment, not a reaction to a crisis,” the specialists conclude.
