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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) develops when the arteries delivering blood to the heart narrow or block owing to plaque development, a disease known as atherosclerosis. This lowers oxygen delivery to the heart, particularly during physical exercise, and blockages that exceed 70% can result in a myocardial infarction, or heart attack.
While CAD was originally thought to only affect the elderly, doctors warn that it is now affecting youngsters in their twenties and thirties as well. Dr. Aditya Kumar Singh, Associate Director and Unit Head, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, believes that the trend is primarily driven by modern lifestyle choices, poor diet, sedentary habits, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress. After performing many difficult cardiac surgeries,
Dr. Singh emphasises that young individuals must recognise early warning signs and make proactive lifestyle changes to protect their heart health.
WHY YOUNG ADULTS ARE AT RISK
CAD has traditionally been seen in older people, men over 45, and women after menopause. However, poor routines and high-stress living are causing the disease to manifest prematurely. Common contributors are:
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- Smoking and tobacco use
- High-fat, low-nutrient diets
- Sedentary work culture
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Chronic stress and lack of sleep
- Erratic work hours, long screen time, and poor dietary patterns have turned young professionals into high-risk candidates for heart disease.
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CONTROLLABLE AND UNCONTROLLABLE RISK FACTORS
Controllable risk factors include:
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- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
- Non-modifiable risk factors include:
- Age
- Family history of heart diseas
- Genetic predisposition
- Targeting controllable factors through diet, exercise, and regular health checks can significantly reduce the likelihood of CAD.
Coronary Artery Disease is no longer considered a “old-age” illness. It is silently claiming the lives of young people, frequently as a result of preventable practices. Dr. Singh emphasizes that “A healthy lifestyle is your first and most powerful defense against heart disease.” Early identification, quick medical intervention, and regular self-care can keep the heart healthy for decades.
Source: IT
