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Heart disease is increasingly affecting young Indians due to lifestyle changes, stress, poor diet, and sedentary habits. Learn key risk factors and preventive measures.
Urban living, combined with sedentary habits and poor dietary choices, is quietly reshaping cardiac health
Once considered a health issue primarily affecting older adults, heart disease is now emerging as a serious threat among young Indians. Unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, sedentary routines, chronic stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, and rising obesity are driving the early onset of lifestyle-related illnesses. Hereditary risks combined with low awareness further worsen the situation, often leading to silent heart complications and premature cardiovascular disease. A decade ago, heart attacks were mostly seen in people in their late 50s or early 60s; today, alarmingly, they are striking individuals as young as their 30s.
A recent report by Apollo Hospitals, which reviewed over 2.5 million preventive health screenings conducted between 2019 and 2024, found that 26% of those tested had hypertension and 23% had diabetes, often before any symptoms became evident.
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So what is fueling this early onset?
Alongside traditional risk factors, several emerging triggers are increasingly linked to heart attacks. These include COVID-19 infection, chronic stress and mental health challenges, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), air pollution, and substance abuse involving drugs like cocaine and amphetamines. In particular, both short- and long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in polluted air has become a major contributor to cardiovascular risk.
Here are some key factors contributing to declining heart health among young Indians:
Stress, sleep deprivation, and mental health: Today’s younger generation faces intense work, academic, and societal pressures, leading to poor sleep, irregular sleep patterns, and chronic stress. This stress disrupts hormonal balance, raises blood pressure, and impairs metabolic health. Prolonged elevation of stress hormones like cortisol can take a serious toll on the cardiovascular system.
Dietary changes: Frequent consumption of junk and processed foods, along with diets high in oils and fats, is taking a toll on heart health. The growing popularity of fast food, packaged snacks, and sugary beverages has led to increased obesity, high cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure among young urban populations. Unhealthy eating habits often begin in childhood, replacing more nutritious, whole foods.
Sedentary lifestyles & screen culture: Modern, tech-driven jobs and entertainment habits have resulted in prolonged sitting and minimal physical activity. According to a study in The Lancet Global Health, almost 50% of Indian adults are physically inactive.
Blood sugar imbalances and insulin dysfunction: People with diabetes, including those with minor insulin resistance, face a significantly higher risk of heart problems. Elevated glucose levels harm blood vessels and impair their function, increasing cardiovascular risk even among young people.
Skipping regular health check-ups: Many young adults skip health screenings, thinking they’re too young for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. The problem is that these ‘silent killers’ often show no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.
This is why maintaining a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, managing stress effectively, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol are crucial for reducing risk. Regular health check-ups are also advised, particularly for individuals with a family history of heart disease.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 29, 2025, 07:16 IST
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