New Delhi, October 9 (IANS). There has been a rise in cases of cardiac arrest (heart attack) in recent times, but the big question is how to detect such cases at the right time and how to prevent them. The increasing cases of heart diseases and non-communicable diseases have raised concerns in India and in the medical field.
For this, there is a need to improve the lifestyle and health related habits of the youth of India.
The increase in non-communicable diseases, such as heart diseases, stroke, cancer, diabetes and lung diseases can be a cause of deaths. According to the World Health Organization, such diseases are responsible for 74% of deaths worldwide. These diseases are considered to be the most challenging lifestyle related problems of the 21st century.
Among these non-communicable diseases, the incidence of heart diseases has increased rapidly – from 25.7 million in 1990 to 64 million in 2023. This figure is shocking because according to World Heart Federation data, India accounts for 15% of the total diabetes cases worldwide.
Additionally, 40-50% of heart-related diseases are found in people under 55 years of age. In view of this serious situation, it is expected that the society and the youth adopt a healthy lifestyle. But fast-paced lifestyle, digital habits, lack of work-life balance do not provide a conducive environment for a healthy life.
Pressure to achieve personal and professional goals, expectations from friends and society, and poor eating habits lead to chronic stress and anxiety. This increases the production of cortisol hormone in the body, which further promotes heart diseases.
2018 data from the World Health Organization shows that increased cortisol not only increases non-communicable diseases, but it can also cause endocrine and nervous system problems. Clinical studies and recent cases have also shown that high cortisol can even damage the DNS.
The commonly held belief is, “I’m young, I won’t get silent diseases like diabetes or heart disease.” But in reality, non-infectious diseases develop slowly over years. Bad lifestyle habits done in your 20s and 30s can lead to health problems in the future. Young professionals who are in the race to build a career often neglect their basic health care and work habits.
Even those who understand the dangers of junk food are unable to take right eating decisions. There are hidden sugars in many products, such as foods touted as “healthy.” For example, smoothies, energy bars, flavored yogurts, and even some salads contain high amounts of sugar, which can increase the risk of non-communicable diseases and stress.
Over time, chronic stress increases cortisol levels, leads to high blood pressure, and inflammation in the body, which leads to heart disease. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is not a priority for many young people.
Blaming society or corporate setup is not the solution to the problem, rather we need to understand and accept the problem. There is a need to adopt a balanced approach keeping in mind physical and mental health. Youth will have to change their thinking towards health and focus on prevention.
The notion that “youth” protects against serious diseases is wrong and dangerous. Silent killers like cancer, heart disease and diabetes don’t attack you just by watching – they take advantage of your ignorance.
(Dr. Manpreet Sethi is Pediatric Endocrinologist at Max Hospitals, Delhi NCR.)
–IANS
AS/
