Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in the prevalence of heart ailments, with a particularly alarming trend of
heart attacks
occurring in younger individuals. This rise can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the direct impact of the virus on cardiovascular health, lifestyle changes during lockdowns, and the long-term effects of pandemic-related stress.
We spoke to Dr C S Hiremath – Director, Heart Valve Bank and Academics, CTVS; Senior Consultant and Chief Cardiac Surgeon, SMSIMSR who threw light on the reasons behind increasing heart attack cases and ways to handle them.
Why are so many heart attacks happening in the young?
Several factors contribute to the increasing incidence of heart attacks in
young individuals
. Changes in lifestyle, including a more sedentary way of living, dietary changes, and increased stress levels, play a significant role. Additionally, genetic factors, family history, and the early onset of conditions like diabetes and hypertension are major contributors.
We hear of people suddenly dropping dead. Do heart attacks/cardiac arrests give no prior symptoms at all?
Approximately 20-30% of total
cardiac arrests
occur without any prior symptoms. This is often due to conditions such as diabetes, which can impair sensation, or undiagnosed congenital heart diseases that involve anomalous arteries supplying the heart.
How to know if one’s heart is healthy as several fitness enthusiasts have also suffered a similar fate?
Regular health check-ups are crucial for maintaining
heart health
, especially after the age of 40. These should include blood parameter tests, echocardiograms, and treadmill tests annually. In India, it is now recommended that individuals start these assessments as early as 20 years old, given the country’s projected leadership in global cardiac disease by 2030.
Does it have something to do with vaccines?
There has been an observed increase in the incidence of sudden deaths and complexities in congenital heart diseases post-COVID pandemic. However, there is no definitive evidence proving a direct link between these incidents and COVID-19 or vaccines.
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Is the valve issue congenital?
While some valve diseases are congenital, the majority in India are acquired, often due to conditions like rheumatic valvular heart disease and viral myocarditis.
What are some preventive measures that one can take?
To prevent heart disease, it is essential to diagnose and treat upper respiratory infections promptly, avoid overcrowding, and conduct prenatal diagnoses for congenital heart valve diseases. If a congenital condition is detected and deemed incompatible with life, termination may be considered.
How safe are stents? Do they expire?
Stents, including bare metal stents and drug-eluting stents, are generally safe to implant, depending on the individual case. They do not have an expiration date but should be monitored by healthcare professionals.
What are some basic tests that people should undertake in their 30s, 40s, and 50s?
Basic health tests for individuals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s should include a complete hemogram, lipid profile, thyroid profile, liver function tests (LFT), renal function tests (RFT), vitamin B12 levels, homocysteine levels, ECG, chest X-ray, echocardiogram, and a treadmill test annually.
Does high cholesterol mean that a person will eventually have a heart attack?
Yes, high cholesterol levels need to be controlled as they can lead to premature atherosclerosis in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Can some common medicines cause heart issues?
Certain medications, especially anti-cancer drugs, can induce myocardial damage and should be titrated based on cardiac function. Additionally, appetite suppression medicines, cocaine misuse, tobacco, and opioids can also cause heart issues.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine linked to an increased incidence of heart attacks?
While a definitive link has not been proven, there has been an observed increase in cardiovascular disease incidents post-COVID.
What are some advancements in technology that you have witnessed as a heart surgeon?
Recent technological advancements in cardiac surgery include minimally invasive cardiac surgeries, endoscopic cardiac surgeries, robotic cardiac surgeries, and video-assisted cardiac and thoracic surgeries.