New Delhi: In a world driven by constant hustle, rising stress, and poor lifestyle habits, heart health in people as young as their 30s is quietly endangered. According to Dr. Niranjan Hiremath, a leading cardiologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, chronic stress is a major, often underestimated factor behind early cardiovascular issues. He highlighted how daily pressure from work, finances, digital overload, and lack of rest can put the heart in a prolonged state of alert. This causes hormones like cortisol to remain high, leading to elevated blood pressure, inflammation, and eventual heart strain.
Shockingly, heart attacks and cardiac arrests are increasingly striking without the classic chest pain. Mild symptoms like fatigue or indigestion are often missed, especially in busy routines. Experts warn that a sedentary lifestyle, irregular sleep, and excessive caffeine or smoking can worsen heart risks even in those with no family history. While youth was once a protective factor, that’s no longer the case.
Doctors say the solution lies in awareness and small, sustainable lifestyle changes. Simple steps like 30 minutes of daily exercise, stress management, and a vitamin-rich diet can make a big difference.
Early heart screenings—including ECGs, lipid profiles, and treadmill tests—can detect silent problems before they escalate. Smartwatches and modern diagnostics are also making it easier to monitor warning signs.
Dr. Hiremath emphasizes not waiting for chest pain to act. Preventive care, especially for those with diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol, should begin early. As heart disease claims one in four lives in India, slowing down, managing stress, and prioritizing routine check-ups may be the key to saving thousands of young lives.
