Kolkata Witnesses Alarming Rise in Heart Attacks Among Young Professionals
The city of Kolkata has been witnessing a disturbing trend of heart attacks among young professionals, sending shockwaves through the medical community. This issue came to the forefront recently with the tragic death of 30-year-old Hirakjyoti Adhikari, the son of a former state minister, who suffered a fatal heart attack while conversing with his father. Despite not having any apparent cardiac condition, Hirakjyoti, a doctor by profession, succumbed to the heart attack and was pronounced dead on arrival at a sub-divisional hospital in Mekhliganj.
A recent study conducted on a cross-section of cardiac patients in Kolkata has shed light on this concerning phenomenon. The study reveals that students from prestigious institutes and individuals working in high-pressure private sector jobs are more prone to heart attacks before the age of 40. Dr. Anjan Siotia, an interventional cardiologist at BM Birla Heart Research Centre, noted that there has been a significant increase in the number of cardiac patients in their thirties and forties in the past year alone. Previously, such cases were rare, but now, multiple young patients are being diagnosed with heart conditions every month.
Blockages in cardiac arteries are occurring at an earlier age, according to a study conducted by a medical devices company. Cardiologists confirm these findings, emphasizing that individuals in their late teens or early twenties are already developing small blockages that progress into severe blockages over a decade. Undetected heart ailments or lung conditions can trigger unexpected cardiac arrests, and the combination of stress and an unhealthy lifestyle is contributing to earlier onset of heart ailments.
Dr. KM Mandana, a cardio-thoracic surgeon at Fortis Hospital, highlights that pollution is indirectly affecting heart health, especially among the younger population. As young people are exposed to pollution, their lungs are affected, which in turn impacts their heart health. Additionally, stress plays a significant role, as many young patients have experienced a stressful career since the age of 18. Stress hormones can damage blood vessel linings, making them more susceptible to cholesterol deposits that lead to arterial narrowing and heart attacks.
The average age of onset for cardiac issues has dropped from 55-60 years two decades ago to approximately 45-48 years now. Lack of physical activity, poor dietary habits, and stress all contribute to the development of chronic cardiac diseases and heart attacks. Unfortunately, young professionals have limited options for escaping stress, as demanding work conditions and long hours have become the norm. Consequently, this lifestyle takes a toll on their heart health.
Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness regarding the impact of stress, pollution, and unhealthy lifestyles on heart health, particularly among young professionals. They recommend regular health check-ups, early detection of any underlying heart conditions or lung ailments, and adoption of healthier habits to mitigate the risk of heart attacks at a younger age.
The alarming rise in heart attacks among young professionals serves as a wake-up call to the importance of managing stress, leading a healthy lifestyle, and prioritizing one’s well-being. By taking preventive measures and seeking medical advice when necessary, individuals can safeguard their heart health and ensure a better quality of life.
