Know What Makes Young Adults Prone To Heart Diseases!

Heart ailments or cardiovascular diseases are usually associated with elderly people. However, studies show that in recent decades, cases of heart attack, artery blockages and cardiac arrests have become prevalent among the younger population.

Young adults may be unaware of the risks and might fail to safeguard their health. In order to take the necessary steps, we have to understand the causes and warning signs of premature heart diseases.

Causes of Heart Ailments in Younger Population

Here are the main causes of cardiac diseases among young adults – 

Smoking

Young people who smoke frequently have higher chances of acquiring heart ailments than that of their non-smoking peers. One of the most common diseases is Atherosclerosis, where the artery walls are clogged and blood flow is obstructed. 

Smoking increases the risk of heart attack as it limits the amount of oxygen that goes to your heart. It then raises your blood pressure and heart rate. It also increases the number of blood clots leading to strokes.

Pregnancy issues 

Pregnant women are prone to heart ailments, as the chances of complications like gaining excess weight, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and preterm labour may be high. All these issues can spike up blood pressure and cause artery problems.

For example, preterm delivery occurs due to the complications in the mother’s and baby’s vascular system. This can lead to cardiovascular problems in the long run for the woman.

High cholesterol

Having higher levels of cholesterol in the body is a crucial cause of heart ailments. However, familial hypercholesterolemia can have negative implications. It creates excessive levels of bad LDL cholesterol. People having this genetic condition have high cholesterol from an early age.

This condition leads to Atherosclerosis, heart attack and angina before they turn 50.

Depression

Mental issues like depression and anxiety can cause heart attacks. When the mind is depressed, it releases stress hormones like cortisol and other inflammatory chemicals. These can narrow your arteries and prevent proper blood flow.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of heart diseases among young adults are – 

• Weakness

• Breathlessness

• Oedema

• Fatigue

• Chest pain

They may feel pain in certain areas of their body such as jaw, neck, back, shoulder, left arm and in the upper central area of their abdomen.

Women have different symptoms. They usually feel tightness in their chest, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting and nausea. They might also feel pressure in their back and pain in the upper abdominal region.

Treatment

The treatment will depend upon the type of heart disease. These include cardiac surgeries like Angioplasty, inserting metal stents, coronary grafting, heart transplantation etc.

The doctor will prescribe a specific medication for heart diseases. They are – 

• Blood thinners

• Statins

• Beta-blockers

• ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors

All the cardiac complications can be avoided by following some simple steps. Eating low fat, high fibre foods and green vegetables, and regular exercise is necessary for reducing cholesterol and maintaining blood pressure.