Why Are More Young People Getting Heart Attacks? Top Doctor Reveals Alarming Lifestyle Link

Heart attacks are no longer an “old age” concern — a growing number of young adults are falling prey to heart disease, and top cardiologist Dr. Ashok Seth explains why. Speaking at India TV’s Speed News Wellness Weekend, the chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute revealed that modern lifestyle changes are the biggest culprits behind this rising health crisis.

What’s Driving the Surge in Heart Attacks Among Youth?

According to Dr. Seth, heart attacks are multifactorial — meaning they don’t have one single cause. However, the biggest contributing factor today is an unhealthy lifestyle, especially among the youth. Here’s what’s going wrong:

• Lack of physical activity – Too much sitting, barely any walking
• Rising obesity
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Uncontrolled stress
• Poor dietary habits (junk food and irregular meals)

Other Major Risk Factors

• Family history of heart problems
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• High cholesterol

Dr. Seth warns that while some of these, like genetics, are uncontrollable, most can be managed through proactive steps.

How to Protect Your Heart: The Doctor’s Advice

“Your feet can save your heart,” says Dr. Seth.

Regular physical activity is the strongest shield against heart disease. Just walking daily or doing moderate exercise can:

• Reduce blood sugar
• Lower blood pressure
• Control cholesterol
• Prevent obesity
• Reduce stress
• Help curb smoking and alcohol habits
• Cut down medication needs

Bottom Line

Heart disease in young people is rising — but it doesn’t have to be your fate. With consistent exercise, better food choices, stress management, and regular health checkups, you can dramatically reduce your risk.