Deep shock due to the sudden demise of Divyanka Sirohi at the age of 29: Experts told why serious heart diseases are increasing among the youth.

New Delhi. The news of the sudden and untimely demise of young professional Divyanka Sirohi at the age of just 29 has left the society, health experts and the youth in deep shock. This shocking incident of loss of life at such a young age has once again drawn attention to a serious danger which is often ignored by the younger generation considering it ‘not a matter of age’ – the rapidly increasing serious cardiovascular diseases among the youth.

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Silent Heart Attack and Severe Arrhythmia among youth aged 20 to 35 years. Health experts say that this notion that heart diseases only affect the elderly above 50 or 60 years of age has now been proven completely wrong. Due to today’s hectic life, corporate pressure and uncontrolled daily routine, youth in the age group of 20-30 are also falling prey to it.

According to senior cardiologists, there are many biological, genetic and lifestyle factors behind sudden serious cardiac problems and death in youth:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): This is a genetic condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. It often has no obvious external symptoms and can cause sudden cardiac arrest during extreme physical stress or sports.

• Coronary artery anomalies and premature atherosclerosis: Rapid accumulation of plaque in the blood vessels due to congenital abnormalities in the structure of the arteries or excessive stress and poor diet. Many times this plaque suddenly bursts, causing a large blood clot to form immediately and completely blocking the arteries.

• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) after infection: In many cases, inflammation of the heart muscle (Myocarditis) occurs after viral or respiratory infection. If it is not diagnosed on time, it disturbs the electrical conduction of the heartbeat, which can lead to sudden unconsciousness or death.

• Long QT syndrome and arrhythmia: Disturbance in the electrical system of the heart, due to which the heart suddenly starts beating very fast or irregularly and blood circulation stops within seconds.

Doctors believe that apart from genetic factors, today’s youth are unknowingly putting their hearts at risk with their daily habits:

• Chronic stress and persistent high cortisol: Due to career, financial pressure and corporate goals, ‘stress hormones’ (Cortisol and Adrenaline) remain at continuously high levels in the body. This condition increases blood pressure and causes swelling in the arteries.

• Severe Sleep Deprivation: Not getting 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night and staying awake till late night disrupts the natural repair mechanism of the heart. The risk of heart attack has been found to be significantly higher in those who sleep less than 5-6 hours regularly.

• Excessive exercise and supplements without medical advice: Over-exertion in the gym, intense workouts while dehydrated, and excessive consumption of unauthorized protein powders or energy boosters can also put life-threatening stress on the heart.

• Smoking, Vaping and Junk Food: Smoking and vaping damages the inner lining of the arteries, which increases the chances of blood clot formation manifold. At the same time, food containing trans fat and highly refined sugar increases bad cholesterol (LDL) at an early age.

Youngsters often dismiss chest discomfort as normal ‘acidity’ or ‘muscle strain’. According to experts, the following symptoms should be taken seriously immediately:

• Sudden excessive sweating and dizziness without any heavy exertion.

• Feeling of heaviness, pressure, burning or squeezing pain in the middle of the chest.

• Pain spreading to the jaw, neck, back or left arm.

• Excessive shortness of breath even while climbing stairs or walking normally.

• Sudden feeling of heart beating very fast (abnormal heartbeat) or fainting.

The untimely demise of promising and young talents like Divyanka Sirohi is a strong warning that health can never be taken lightly:

1. Annual health checkup after age 25: Get your lipid profile (cholesterol), ECG, blood sugar and blood pressure checked annually. If there is a family history of heart attack at a young age, also get a treadmill test (TMT) and echocardiogram done.

2. Be active, but with balance: Do 30-40 minutes of moderate walk, yoga or light exercise daily. Know the limits of your physical capabilities.

3. Give priority to sleep and mental health: Get at least 7 to 8 hours of deep sleep every day and take help of meditation and hobbies to manage stress.

4. Distance from addictions: Say goodbye to tobacco, cigarettes and vaping immediately and limit your intake of processed foods.

Youth is a time of boundless energy, but it is not a guarantee of immortality. Listening to your body and heart, recognizing health signs in time and adopting a balanced lifestyle is the only way to protect yourself from this serious danger.