New Delhi

Stress, overconsumption of unhealthy fast food, and lack of exercise are some of the most common reasons for poor health these days, especially poor heart health leading to cardiac arrests in people who are in their 30s and 40s. You can’t lead a healthy life with a compromised lifestyle and for that, we got in touch with two cardiologists who discuss the rise in sudden cardiac deaths in people less than 40 years of age. 

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Dr. Brajesh Kumar Mishra, Interventional cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist, at Manipal Hospital, Gurugram said that sudden cardiac death in less than 40 years comprises one-third of total cases of sudden cardiac arrest in women. 

The expert suggests that common symptoms associated with the possibility of sudden cardiac arrest which needs urgent evaluation are chest pain, neck pain, jaw pain, breathlessness, pain in arms, nausea, vomiting, sweating, lightheadedness, sudden cases of blacking out and fatigue.

Some preventive strategies for keeping your heart healthy

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* Quit smoking or don’t start smoking 

* Eat healthy meals that are rich in fruits, salad and nuts. Avoid junk food

* Exercise and yoga

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* Manage stress

* Avoid and limit alcohol intake 

* Follow your treatment plan and goals of management like blood pressure and sugar management 

* Manage risk factors very aggressively to control blood pressure, sugar lipid, obesity etc

Another expert, Dr V K Bahl, Director of Ramaiah Institute of Cardiac Sciences under Ramaiah Memorial Hospital said, "Heart health is something we can't afford to overlook, especially as women approach their 40s and beyond. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and not breast cancer therefore awareness and prevention of heart disease deserves equal or more attention.” 

Women often experience subtle symptoms unlike men

He added, “The tricky part is that women often experience atypical and subtle symptoms, like shortness of breath, fatigue, or nausea, rather than the classic chest pain that men suffer from. This makes early detection and intervention much harder, so it’s crucial to be proactive about heart health and the best way is to undergo regular heart health screenings. Look for traditional risk factors i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol.”

Stressing on adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, the doctor said that “women should focus on a balanced diet, full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, stay active with regular exercise, and steer clear of smoking and excessive alcohol. Managing stress is also a factor—chronic stress and anxiety can significantly impact heart health, so finding effective ways to manage stress, such as meditation and yoga can be beneficial.”

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Environmental factors, like air pollution and heat exposure, also play a role in cardiovascular risk. For those with high blood pressure, extreme heat can make things worse. He added, “When it gets hot, our bodies work harder to release heat by dilating blood vessels, which can put extra strain on the heart, especially if there are existing conditions like hypertension. Staying hydrated, avoiding excessive heat, and keeping an eye out for blood pressure during hot weather are all important steps.”

The bottom line is awareness and education are vital. Women should have regular conversations with their healthcare providers about their heart health, be aware of their individual risk factors, and take proactive steps to protect their hearts.