Heart disease is often seen as a condition that affects older adults, but doctors warn that even young, fit-looking individuals are increasingly at risk of heart attacks and heart failure. Lifestyle habits, stress, genetics and undetected medical issues can quietly damage heart health long before any symptoms appear. Reported by Akanksha Agnihotri from Hindustan Times.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pratik Giri, Consultant – Cardiology at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, explained why cardiovascular emergencies are rising among younger age groups.
Citing an AIIMS-ICMR study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2025, Dr Giri pointed out that sudden deaths among young, seemingly healthy Indians aged 18–45 are largely linked to undiagnosed heart disease.
The study found that cardiovascular causes accounted for 42.6% of such deaths, while a smaller percentage remained unexplained, likely due to inherited electrical disorders of the heart.
Why heart attacks strike the young and “healthy”
“‘Apparent health’ is often used to describe young people who experience heart attacks or sudden instances of heart failure.
However, youth, a good physical appearance, and lack of symptoms do not indicate that the heart is functioning perfectly. Chances are that these individuals’ risk factors were never identified,” says Dr Pratik.
According to him, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the most common hidden cause. “This involves a gradual build-up of cholesterol and fatty material on the walls of the arteries.”
He explains that the disease can remain silent for years. “In the early stages, the disease passes unnoticed. When the arterial blockage is less than 50%, there are usually no symptoms.
Mild discomfort may appear only during extreme exertion, and symptoms at rest show up only when the blockage exceeds 70%. So, a young person may feel perfectly fine until a plaque ruptures suddenly, leading to a major heart attack or heart failure.”
Lifestyle risks often ignored
Modern lifestyle patterns have significantly increased heart risks among younger people. “Smoking, e-cigarettes, drug abuse like cocaine or marijuana, poor eating habits, obesity, physical inactivity, stress, irregular sleep patterns, and excessive alcohol consumption all accelerate the deterioration of heart artery health. Certain medications can also trigger sudden spasms or arrhythmias,” Dr Giri notes.
He adds that early warning signs are frequently dismissed. “Problems with breathing, sweating, dizziness, discomfort, nausea, or a heart-related pinch in the chest are sometimes mistaken for acidity or anxiety. This delays hospital visits and can worsen outcomes.”
Dr Giri emphasises that young people with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, a history of smoking or substance abuse, sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, high stress, poor sleep, or a family history of early heart disease should not skip regular cardiac check-ups.
How early prevention can save lives
“Prevention begins by identifying risks early. Basic screening tests like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checks should be done regularly.
Depending on risk factors, doctors may recommend ECG, echocardiography, or treadmill stress tests. Advanced non-invasive tests such as CT Coronary Calcium Scoring and CT Coronary Angiography are also very useful for detecting hidden blockages before an attack occurs,” Dr Giri advises.
He concludes, “Heart disease can largely be prevented. Exercise, a balanced diet, sound sleep, stress management, avoidance of tobacco and drugs, and periodic health check-ups are the foundations of a healthy heart.
Early screening saves lives and helps prevent sudden heart attacks. Prevention should always start early.”
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