Rohan Mirchandani, co-founder of the yogurt brand Epigamia, died the day before at the age of 42. His family members confirmed his death due to cardiac arrest. Recently, there has been an alarming trend of young people suffering from cardiac arrest. Winter has also been seen to act as a trigger. Read also | Rohan Mirchandani, Co-Founder of Epigamia, Dies After Cardiac Arrest at 42: Report
Commenting on this in an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Atul Mathur, Executive Director, Interventional Cardiology and Head, Cathematics Laboratory, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla Road, New Delhi, said, “Extremely cold weather can lead to spasms in the coronary arteries, which can cause plaque rupture even if the plaque is not severely obstructive. In addition, people tend to have higher blood pressure and higher blood cholesterol during the colder months. These physiological changes significantly increase the risk of cardiac events.’
Why are more young people suffering from cardiac arrest?
“In today’s fast-changing world, stress has become an integral part of life, affecting people of all ages, including the younger generation. What is often forgotten is the deep connection between stress and heart health, especially in young people. While heart disease is often thought of as a problem for older adults, growing evidence shows that chronic stress can harm cardiovascular health at an early age,” added Dr. Atul Mathur. He went on to point out three main reasons: Read also | World Heart Day 2024: Young people beware as these lifestyle mistakes could trigger early heart attacks
The stress-heart connection: Stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, causing the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. While these hormones are beneficial in short bursts, chronic stress can lead to persistently high levels of these chemicals, which increase heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can damage blood vessels, contribute to plaque build-up, and increase the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.
Mental health and cardiovascular risk: Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression are closely related to chronic stress, and both are known to increase the likelihood of developing heart problems. Young people with poor mental health may also use harmful coping mechanisms, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or sedentary lifestyles, which further increase heart risk.
READ ALSO: A mini heart attack is different from a heart attack! Know all about it
Protection of a young heart: Managing stress is essential for cardiovascular health. Encouraging young people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and mindfulness practices can help mitigate the harmful effects of stress. Read also | End of 2023: Reasons for rising cardiac arrest trend among young adults, warning signs to look out for
Prevention of heart attacks in the winter season:
“Prevention consists in eliminating risk factors that are exacerbated by cold weather. Managing blood pressure, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and taking precautions to avoid exposure to extreme cold are all important. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep can also help reduce the risks,” added Dr. Atul Mathur.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
