Srinagar, 29th September 2025: A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to a clot in the coronary arteries. Traditionally seen in older adults, this life-threatening condition is now increasingly affecting people as young as their 20s and 30s.
Not long ago, heart attacks were primarily a problem faced by older adults. It was rare for anyone younger than 40 to have a heart attack. Now, 1 in 5 heart attack patients are younger than 40 years of age, a shift that highlights the urgent need for awareness and preventive action.
The causes are largely lifestyle-driven. Smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor diet, lack of exercise and unmanaged stress are all accelerating the onset of heart disease.
The early warning signs of a heart attack may present as chest pain or pressure, discomfort in the arm, jaw or back, shortness of breath, sudden sweating or dizziness, and unexplained fatigue. Recognising these symptoms promptly and seeking immediate medical attention can make a critical difference in survival and recovery.
Dr. Sudhanshu Parida, Additional Director – Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said, “The rise of heart attacks in young adults is deeply worrying, as many still believe they are too young to be at risk. We see clear regional variations. For example, in Kashmir, younger patients often experience heart attacks more frequently due to higher rates of smoking and persistent stress levels. These patterns remind us that lifestyle and environment are equally powerful risk factors. While timely intervention through angioplasty and stent placement can save lives in an emergency, the bigger priority must be prevention through quitting smoking, managing stress, staying active and building awareness from an early age.”
When a heart attack is suspected, doctors rely on diagnostic tools such as ECG, blood markers and coronary angiography.
Treatment for heart disease depends on the condition and its severity. In the early stages, lifestyle changes supported by medicines to control blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes can be very effective. When managed promptly, these steps not only reduce symptoms but also lower the risk of complications. Crucially, many cases of early heart disease can be prevented altogether through healthier choices. Quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and undergoing timely health check-ups, especially for those with a family history of heart disease, are the most powerful safeguards for long-term heart health.
When these measures are not enough, cardiologists may recommend angioplasty. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that improves blood flow in narrowed or blocked arteries. During the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is guided to the affected artery. A tiny wire mesh tube, known as a stent, mounted on a deflated balloon is passed through the catheter to the narrowed area. When the balloon is inflated, it expands the stent, compresses fatty deposits against the artery walls and restores blood flow. The stent remains in place permanently to keep the artery open.
Today, drug-eluting stents, which slowly release medication to prevent scar tissue formation and re-narrowing, are widely used and approved by the US FDA. Angioplasty can be performed through either the femoral route (via the leg) or the radial route (via the wrist). The radial approach is increasingly preferred as it reduces discomfort, lowers complication risks and often allows patients to return home sooner.
