What are the causes of heart disease among younger generation?
Introduction
Latest research shows that four out of five deaths in the age group of 40-69 in India is due to heart attacks. This indicates an increase in heart attacks among the younger generation, compared to previous years. This is due to a combination of reasons that have contributed to causes of heart disease among younger generation.
What are the major causes of heart disease?
The primary causes of heart disease are due to multiple reasons, including a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental reasons, as outlined below:
- Atherosclerosis – due to high levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure levels.
- Diet – poor dietary habits high in saturated and trans fats, along with high salt and sugar intake.
- Physically inactive – resulting in obesity, hypertension, and increased risk of heart disease.
- Smoking – an increase in number of young smokers, and exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Genetics – family history of heart disease and inherited conditions.
- Stress – extended periods of stress contributing to various outcomes.
- Alcohol – excessive alcohol consumption resulting in increased risk.
- Age – advancing age increases risk of heart disease in women above 55 and men above 45.
- Gender – men are at higher risk earlier in life, while women are at higher risk after menopause.
- Conditions – rheumatoid arthritis, chronic infections, increase risk of atherosclerosis.
- Sleep Apnea – results in repeated pauses in breathing, increases blood pressure and risk of heart failure.
- Poor oral hygiene – gum disease increases risk of heart disease, due to spread of bacteria.
- Congenital heart defects – structural heart defects at birth expose people to heart disease risk.
What is etiology of ischemic heart disease?
The origin or causes of heart disease such as ischemic heart disease is a complex combination of factors that result in the narrowing of arteries. Also known as coronary artery disease, this results in reduced flow of blood to the heart.
Reasons include formation of plaque which happens to the most common cause of ischemic heart disease. In this condition, plaque comprising cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste, calcium, and fibrin accumulate in the inside of the coronary arteries. This can rupture later, causing blood clots that either partially or completely block blood flow.
This condition is attributed to various risk factors, such as high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high blood pressure levels, smoking, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet.
Other reasons include chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, genetic reasons and family history. Age, gender, lifestyle, and other existing conditions are also contributing factors. Vasospasm is also a reason, where a temporary spasm of the coronary arteries, causes a reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle. This may occur without atherosclerosis.
Is there increased risk if there is family history of heart disease?
Yes, having a family history of heart disease counts as one of the causes of heart disease and also increases risk of heart disease. This is due to a combination of genetic factors, similar environmental factors, and lifestyle that are common in families.
For instance, a person may be genetically predisposed due to inherited conditions. This is due to genetic mutations and inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia. Genes that have an impact on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body metabolism, are similar in people with a family history of coronary artery disease.
Similarly, people with a family history share the same environment and lifestyle. For instance, diet, exercise, and smoking, contribute to heart disease risk and may run in the family. People with such family history are likely to experience early-onset of heart disease. The ideal approach would be to undergo regular screening, such as monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.
An effective option would be to undergo genetic testing , presently available in Tamil Nadu. A simple test of blood sample or saliva sample will reveal if the person is genetically predisposed to specific risks of heart disease. Based on the test results, suitable remedial measures can be implemented.
Which are the main reasons of diabetes and heart disease?
The main causes of heart disease and diabetes are actually linked to each other. This is because both conditions have shared risk factors. Here is a quick look at the primary causes of both conditions:
Diabetes
- Genetic factors – Type 1 Diabetes is commonly attributed to genetic predisposition. Type 2 Diabetes is also strongly influenced by genetics, and the person is at risk if close family members also have the condition.
- Lifestyle – Obesity and poor diet is linked to increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
- Age – Risk of Type 2 diabetes increases with age, due to reduced physical activity, loss of muscle mass, and increased insulin resistance.
- Insulin resistance – This is another reason, and is mostly linked to obesity, poor diet, and physically inactive status.
- Gestational diabetes – Women who end up with gestational diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes later.
- Hormones – Disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may cause Type 2 diabetes.
Heart Disease
- Atherosclerosis – Due to high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure levels.
- Lifestyle – Habits such as smoking, and poor diet are major risk factors for heart disease.
- Sedentary lifestyle – Causes obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.
- Alcohol – Excessive consumption increases blood pressure levels.
- Obesity – This causes hypertension, high cholesterol levels and insulin resistance.
- Diabetes – This increases the risk of heart disease as it aggravates atherosclerosis, inflammation, and causes high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Genetic reasons – Family history of heart disease increases risk of developing the disease at a young age.
- Conditions – Such as inflammation, stress, are also risk factors that contribute to heart disease
- Age and Gender – Are also reasons that increase risk of heart disease.
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Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Experience: Agarwal is a seasoned pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. She has worked in various settings, including hospital pharmacies and community clinics, where she has excelled in medication management, patient counseling, and clinical support. Agarwal is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes. is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes.
