When the blood supply to the heart is significantly restricted or blocked, the condition is referred to as a heart attack. The accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other chemicals referred to as plaque in the heart’s (coronary) arteries typically causes blood flow restriction. The phenomenon of deposition of plaque in the arteries is called Atherosclerosis.

Twenty years before, no one could even believe that people in their 40s could suffer from a heart attack, which was usually a disease for people beyond 60. However, in today’s world, every one in five heat attacks occurs in an individual younger than 40 years of age. Hence it’s vital to understand the underlying cause and work on it to lead a healthy life.

Factors Increasing Heart Attacks In Young People

Hypertension

Also referred to as high blood pressure, Hypertension is considered to be one of the biggest factors for heart disease. It is the condition where the blood pressure rises and induces excess pressure against the walls of arteries, reducing the amount of blood flowing through the arteries and resulting in a heart attack.

Diabetes

Compared to those without diabetes, those with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease. When the blood sugar isn’t kept under control enough to stay at a healthy level, various problem arises. The blood vessels are damaged by high blood sugar, which increases the likelihood that fat will amass in the arteries and lead to atherosclerosis.

Patients with diabetes are also more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol; these chronic health conditions greatly increase the risk of a heart attack.

Obesity

For a variety of reasons, being overweight significantly increases one’s chance of having a heart attack. To begin with, being overweight puts a lot of strain on the heart. Even if one is generally in good health, obesity alone increases the risk of having a heart attack.

Besides, people who are obese and overweight frequently have other medical issues, including hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, that are detrimental to their heart health.

Smoking and Vaping

Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for heart attacks in young adults among all other risk factors. According to how many cigarettes one smokes, their risk of having a heart attack rises — compared to nonsmokers, smoking one pack every day more than doubles one’s chance of having a heart attack.

Even though smokers have a higher risk of getting a heart attack than vaping, it’s still not safe. Nicotine and other harmful substances in e-cigarettes cause the heart rate and blood pressure to rise. According to a recent study, vaping increases heart attack risk by 34% compared to non-vapers.

Substance abuse

The current research on marijuana’s direct correlation to heart diseases is still unclear, although it is seen to increase heart rate and blood pressure. However, cocaine’s effect on the heart is widely known. Cocaine causes the blood vessels to constrict, the heart to beat faster, and blood pressure to rise—all of which are linked to heart attacks.

Method of prevention

The best way to avoid having a heart attack is to lead a healthy lifestyle. To reduce the risk, begin implementing these simple adjustments gradually.

– Give up smoking: Heart disease risk more than doubles when a person smokes.

– Maintain the vitals at a healthy level: Vitals such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar must be maintained at a healthy level.

– Obesity: If one is obese or overweight, they should focus on losing weight.

– Exercise frequently: Even 30 minutes of brisk walking might be highly beneficial.

– Eat Healthily: Limit sweets and unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fats). Increase the consumption of whole grains, fresh produce, and fruits.

Keep in mind that a heart attack requires immediate medical assistance. Early detection and prompt treatment can stop death.