Heart Attack in Youth: Symptoms, Risk factors and Prevention

Heart attack occurs when the blood flow carrying oxygen to the heart muscles stops severely or cut off completely. Earlier, people used to believe that heart attack only occur in older age. But the sad demise of a few young celebrities left us in shock. This also aroused the question if young ages people can get a heart attack too!

Usually, people aged 45 or older are more prone to get a heart attack. However young people with who smokes or are obese and have chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes can also get a heart attack. Lifestyle obviously plays a great role in maintaining heart health.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart attack can be different in women than men. Men are likely to have symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, and back pain. While in women, the most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort. Also, there are instances when people get a heart attack but never know it. That is called a silent heart attack which shows no symptoms, or mild symptoms.

The common symptoms of heart attacks include:

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Shortness of breath.

• Cold sweat

• Nausea or light-headedness

• Pain or discomfort in arms, back, or neck.

Risk factors

Heart attack usually results from a combination of risk factors. Factors that put young people aged below 45 at high risk of a heart attack include:

• Smoking

• Alcohol consumption

• High cholesterol or blood pressure

• Obesity

• Uncontrolled blood sugar

• Family history of heart diseases

• Higher stress level

Preventing heart attack in young people

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the only way to prevent the risk of heart attack.

• Quit smoking.

• Get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose checked regularly

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Get regular exercise

• Limit fat and sugar intake

• Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains

• Avoid alcohol intake

Heart attack can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Heart attacks can be managed with effective and timely treatment.

If you are experiencing any heart related issue or chest pain or any of the symptoms mentioned above, see a doctor. Sarvodaya Hospital at Faridabad offers best treatment for all cardiovascular and heart related conditions. They are supported by the nation's best cardiologists and high-end diagnosis technologies to treat heart conditions.