Heart Failure Awareness Week (February 8–14) concludes on Valentine’s Day, a reminder to keep the heart safe. But how do we recognise when it is failing? In recent years, Goa has seen several young people collapse suddenly and die without receiving medical aid. The Goan examines the possible reasons behind this disturbing trend
PANAJI
Life has become so fragile. Your heart is no longer yours faithfully; it can ditch you at any time. Sudden, unexpected heart failures are becoming increasingly common and unpredictable. We are witnessing many people falling prey to heart failure. Unlike earlier times, more young people – and even teenagers who never complained of any heart issues – are collapsing and dying in a fraction of a second.
In a shocking incident on February 10, Paresh Naik, former deputy sarpanch of Davorlim Panchayat, died of heart failure at the age of 53 on his birthday while travelling to Shree Kuravpur Devasthan in Karnataka. He was in one of two vehicles that left Navelim for Kuravpur. Near Shri Dudhsagar Devasthan, he complained of uneasiness, prompting the vehicles to turn back towards a primary health centre at Pilliem-Dharbandora. However, Paresh died en route. A jovial and well-liked figure, his sudden demise left Goa’s political circles in shock.
This is just one of the countless incidents we witness around us. Assistant Professor in the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at GMC, Dr Amit Dias, who lost a young relative last week after she died in her sleep, remarked, “This shows how unpredictable life is.” According to him, several factors could contribute to the increased occurrence of heart attacks among younger people in India.
“There is an increase in the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, increased salt consumption, and the use of trans fats, lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress. Rising workplace stress and the pressure to meet deadlines can contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as high blood pressure and unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating or smoking,” he points out.
Diabetes, BP, obesity, pollution
Many people also have a genetic predisposition to heart disease, making them vulnerable at a younger age. The rising prevalence of diabetes and obesity in India is a major risk factor, increasingly affecting younger populations. Goa has the highest diabetes prevalence in the country, with 26.4% of those above 20 affected. Additionally, high air pollution levels in many Indian cities are linked to increased heart disease risk.
As co-principal investigator of the ICMR-INDIAB (Indian Diabetes Study on Cardiovascular Risk Factors), Dr Dias notes that cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension, obesity, abnormal cholesterol, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets are alarmingly common. “In states like Goa, these risks often coexist, multiplying their impact on the heart. When diabetes and high blood pressure go undetected or poorly controlled, they silently damage blood vessels and heart muscle, leading to heart attacks and heart failure,” he asserts.
Young hearts at risk
The disease is affecting people at a younger age. What is particularly concerning today is the changing trend of heart disease occurring much earlier in life. There is an increase in myocardial infarctions, sudden cardiac deaths, and heart failure among people in their 30s and 40s – often those with unrecognised diabetes, stress, tobacco or alcohol use, poor sleep, and sedentary lifestyles. Emphasising that these are no longer diseases of old age, Dr Dias advises, “Prevention today is the strongest treatment for heart failure tomorrow.”
“If lifestyles in Goa do not change, the trend will not either. Notably, cases have risen since the Covid-19 pandemic. We must rigorously examine the impact of the disease and vaccines in predisposing people to heart disease and heart blocks. This hypothesis cannot be ignored, as reports have cited myocarditis, pulmonary embolism, vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia, tachycardia, and other conditions following vaccination,” he points out.
Don’t ignore symptoms
Heart Failure Awareness Week aims to raise public awareness about recognising symptoms, promoting early diagnosis, and encouraging heart-healthy habits. Warning signs include shortness of breath at rest or during activity, swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen, persistent fatigue, rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, difficulty lying flat, and persistent cough or wheezing. The 2026 key message is clear: persistent or worsening symptoms should never be ignored.
Steps to lower the risk
Adopt a healthy lifestyle by emphasising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods and excess salt. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity weekly. Quit smoking, monitor blood pressure and blood sugar, manage stress through meditation or yoga, and maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
