World Heart Day, marked every year on September 29, is a vital initiative designed to raise awareness about heart health and the importance of preventing cardiovascular diseases. Launched in 1999 by the World Heart Federation (WHF) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the focus is on promoting heart health. The concept was inspired by Antoni Bayes de Luna, who served as the president of WHF from 1997 to 1999.Originally held on the last Sunday of September, the observance was moved to September 29 in 2012.
World Heart Day serves as an important reminder for everyone to prioritise their heart health by regular check-ups. It also sheds light on factors that increase the risk of heart-related issues such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
World Heart Day 2024: What Causes Heart Attacks In Young People?
A report from Medical News Today, referencing the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, which began in 1987, indicates a notable increase in heart attack cases among young people, particularly affecting young women.
Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart disease, often associated with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which heightens the likelihood of heart attacks. The report estimates that by 2060, approximately 5,26,000 young people will be affected by some form of diabetes, a significant rise from the 2,13,000 reported in 2017.
Overweight And Obesity
A 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that people with higher BMIs, including young people, were more likely to have worse cardiovascular health. High BMIs are linked to high blood pressure and higher ventricular mass index, a measure that is used to predict sudden cardiac death. The left ventricle is responsible for pumping around the body and its increased thickness and size worsen cardiovascular health.
Smoking And Vaping
Smoking significantly increases the risk of early death from heart disease and stroke, especially for those who begin smoking at an early age. While e-cigarettes are considered less harmful than smoking, they still pose unknown longer-term health risks. Another 2022 study, mentioned in the Journal of the American Heart Association, indicates that long-term vaping may negatively impact the endothelium, the inner lining of the blood vessels, potentially disrupting healthy blood flow.
High Blood Pressure
According to the report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US measured data from over 12,000 young people aged 12–19 between 2001 and 2016. They found significant number of young individuals experience high or elevated blood pressure, especially those with obesity. These risk factors develop early, increasing their likelihood of heart disease and stroke later in life.
Genetics
Some individuals inherit genetic heart conditions that increase their risk of heart disease at a young age. Examples include familial hypercholesterolemia, which raises the likelihood of coronary heart disease, and other inherited issues like cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias and Marfan syndrome. These genetic factors can significantly impact heart health from an early age.
World Heart Day 2024: Tips To Prevent Heart Attack Risk At Young Age
- Schedule routine health check-ups with your doctor.
- Understand your family’s heart health history to assess your risk.
- Incorporate regular physical activity into your lifestyle.
- Steer clear of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
- Keep blood sugar levels in check through a healthy diet, regular exercise and medication if prescribed.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Establish a regular sleep routine and create a comfortable sleep environment.
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