By Dr Mallesh P
Consultant- Interventional Cardiologist (Adult)
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Cardiology)
SS Narayana Health Superspeciality Centre, Davanagere
In the last 40 days, Karnataka’s Hassan district has witnessed a troubling trend. According to media reports, many individuals have succumbed to cardiac arrests—many of them shockingly young adults aged between 19 and 45 years. As a cardiologist, I find this deeply concerning.
Changing lifestyles, rising stress levels, poor dietary habits, and hidden health conditions are silently putting younger populations at risk. The situation in Hassan is not just a medical anomaly—it’s a warning sign for all of us.
Why Are Young Adults at Risk of Heart Attacks?
Traditionally, we considered heart disease a concern for people in their 50s and beyond, but not anymore. Today, we are seeing more patients in their 20s and 30s presenting with blocked arteries, high blood pressure, and even sudden cardiac arrests.
Some of the contributing factors in young patients include undiagnosed diabetes or hypertension, a family history of cardiac issues, sedentary lifestyles with little or no exercise, stress and poor sleep, smoking, alcohol, and a fast-food culture. Possible post-Covid complications leading to poor heart health are still being studied.
Media reports on the deaths in Hassan district revealed that several victims reportedly had no prior symptoms of any heart disease. Some of them died at home. This tells us something – we’re not listening to our bodies, and we’re not acting on our health concerns well in time.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
In this fast-paced world with hectic work schedules and little or no time for sustained exercise schedules, it is not uncommon for a majority of people to ignore symptoms of heart attack, some of which show up early, while some appear suddenly. Still, it is better to keep these symptoms in mind and not brush them off as “mere stress” or “gas or acidity”.
Some key pointers for everyone, even those under 40 years of age:
- Chest discomfort, pressure, or tightness
- Unusual fatigue or shortness of breath
- Light-headedness or fainting spells
- Palpitations or a racing heart
- Sweating, nausea, or pain radiating to the jaw or left arm
- Seek medical help immediately. Every minute matters in a heart attack.
What You Do Starting Today
Heart disease is largely preventable if we’re proactive. Here’s how you can protect your heart:
Get a basic heart check-up annually (ECG, BP, blood sugar, cholesterol).
Engage in at least 30 minutes of daily exercise — whether it’s walking, cycling, swimming, or practicing yoga. You can do this at home or in a gym. However, before beginning any new fitness routine, especially activities like gym workouts or cycling, it’s important to undergo a proper heart evaluation from a cardiologist.
- Eat the right foods — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, lean meats.
- Limit salt, sugar, processed, and fried foods.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
- Practice stress management — mindfulness, prayer, deep breathing.
- Know your family history and take extra precaution if anyone has had a history of heart problems.
About the Author
Dr. Mallesh P is a seasoned interventional cardiologist with deep expertise in managing heart-related emergencies and preventive cardiac care. He is committed to raising awareness about heart health, especially among younger populations. His insights are grounded in years of clinical practice and a passion for early intervention.
