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Heart Attack at a Young Age in India: Cases of heart disease are increasing rapidly in India. Let us explain the reasons behind this and what can be done to prevent it.

Why is heart disease increasing among Indians?

Why Indians Get Heart Attacks Early: Heart disease is rapidly becoming a serious concern in India. The number of heart attacks has risen sharply in the past few years, and surprisingly, this problem is now affecting people at a much younger age than in Western countries. One major reason for this is believed to be elevated bad cholesterol, or LDL, in the blood.

Cardiologists say that heart problems in Indians can begin at even lower cholesterol levels. This means that a cholesterol level considered moderate in Western countries can prove dangerous in India.

What do experts say?

According to experts, the genetic makeup of Indians is a key factor. Their body structure, the way they process fat and sugar, and certain inherited traits make Indians more susceptible to heart disease at a young age. This means that this problem isn't limited to diet alone; genes also play a significant role. Due to these genetic factors, many Indians develop blockages in their arteries and heart disease about 10 years earlier than people in Western countries.

Lifestyle is also responsible.

However, genetics alone cannot be blamed for bad cholesterol. Lifestyle also increases this risk. In today's fast-paced life, junk food, sugary snacks, and high-fat foods have become common. Additionally, lack of physical activity, increased stress, and weight gain also harm heart health. All these factors not only increase LDL (bad) cholesterol, but also reduce HDL (good) cholesterol. HDL's function is to help clear fat deposits in the arteries. When bad cholesterol is high and good cholesterol is low, the risk of a heart attack increases manifold.

Symptoms are not visible.

The biggest problem with cholesterol is that its symptoms often remain unnoticed. Most people don't realize they have high cholesterol until they experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or a heart attack. This is why regular health checkups are crucial, especially for those over 30 or those with a family history of heart disease.

You can protect yourself from these things.

Small changes to everyday habits can play a big role in maintaining a healthy heart. Eat a balanced and heart-friendly diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Engage in some physical activity daily, even if it's just a 30-minute walk. Avoid processed foods and sugary beverages, maintain weight control, and manage stress. Over time, these habits can help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, significantly reducing the risk of heart disease.