Tips to prevent heart attacks in young individuals

Verified by Dr. Charan Reddy, Consultant and associate professor in Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai and Dr. Rajesh Matta, Junior Consultant, Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Heart attacks are a major cause of death in people of all ages, but they are especially devastating when they strike young people (age less than 40 yrs.) While there are some risk factors for heart attack that cannot be changed, such as family history, there are also many things that young people can do to reduce the risk.

Here are some tips to prevent heart attacks in young:

• Eat a healthy diet: This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, excess salt and unhealthy oils.
• Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise 5 days a week.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese (BMI over 25) is a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the worst things that you can do to your heart.
• Manage stress: Stress can contribute to heart disease, hence adopt ways to manage it, such as breathing exercise, yoga, or meditation.
• Get regular health checkups: By undergoing regular health checkups, your doctor can screen you for risk factors that are specific to heart diseases and recommend preventive measures.

Here are some additional tips that are specific to young women:

• Take birth control pills wisely: Some types of birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of different types of birth control.
• Be aware of the symptoms of heart attack:  Heart attacks in young women can sometimes be different than in older women or men. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

By following these tips, young individuals can help protect their hearts and stay healthy.

Connect with our specialists, Dr. Charan Reddy, Consultant and associate professor in Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai and Dr. Rajesh Matta, Junior Consultant, Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai for any queries related to heart health.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.