PANAJI
A heart is a special organ. It starts beating in the womb, works non-stop throughout life, and stops only at death. Yet, how often do we think that the heart also needs care to keep beating well? It needs attention and a healthy routine so it does not suffer from heartburn, heartache, or even a heart attack.
Lifestyle triggers for heart disease
Today, the world is seeing a rise in heart disorders, especially heart attacks. Much of this is linked to lifestyle changes. Many people, particularly the youth, work long hours without breaks and then party hard on weekends. This cycle of stress, late nights, junk food, alcohol, smoking, or even substance abuse is taking a toll on their hearts. These habits are not the only cause, but they play a big role in sudden deaths among people who appear healthy.
Doctors’ concerns
Dr Jyoti Kusnur, consultant interventional cardiologist at Manipal Hospitals Goa, says heart attacks are increasing because of sedentary lifestyles, processed and junk food, lack of exercise, late-night parties, reduced sleep, high screen time, odd work hours, smoking and alcohol.
“This surge in heart attacks, especially among the younger generation, is not related to Covid-19 or the vaccine. It has more to do with the work-from-home culture. Sitting for long hours, spending too much time on screens and social media, ordering food instead of cooking, and avoiding sunlight have led to problems like high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and vitamin D deficiency,” explains Dr Jyoti.
Many youths between 20-22 years are turning to smoking, alcohol, drugs, and late-night socialising. Their sleep is reduced, diets are poor, and junk food is common. This raises cholesterol, stress hormones, and contributes to coronary artery disease. “The remedy is simple—eat fresh fruits, green vegetables, home-cooked meals, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep,” advises Dr Jyoti.
Hope in treatment
There is hope, though. If diagnosed in time, lives can be saved. Dr Amit Dias, senior faculty at the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at Goa Medical College, says survival after open-heart surgery has improved with advanced treatments, provided cases are selected correctly.
In fact, the success rates are encouraging, and this year’s World Heart Day theme “Don’t Miss a Beat” reminds people not to ignore symptoms. In India, surgeries for congenital heart defects have a success rate of about 94.4%. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) shows 95-98% success, while valvular heart surgeries often have rates above 90-95%, depending on the patient’s health and hospital expertise.
Rising risks in young India
Dr Dias points out several reasons for rising heart attacks in young Indians: unhealthy diets, high salt intake, trans fats, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol, stress, diabetes, obesity, and even pollution. “Modern lifestyles, long work hours, and constant deadlines increase stress. This often leads to overeating, smoking, or other unhealthy habits. Some may also have a genetic risk, making them vulnerable at a young age,” he says.
A recent ICMR-INDIAB study found Goa has the highest diabetes rate in India—26.4% among adults over 20 years. Dr Dias warns that without lifestyle changes, Goa will continue to see high heart disease cases.
The Covid factor
He also notes that Covid cannot be ignored. “Since the pandemic, there has been a rise in young people with cardiac arrest. Both the disease and, in some cases, the vaccine may have contributed. Reports include myocarditis, pulmonary embolism, clotting, tachycardia, and other issues,” he says.
A global reminder
World Heart Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and promote preventive lifestyle changes. The 2025 theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat”, stresses the importance of early recognition, timely treatment, and healthier living so that every heartbeat counts.
Let your heart beat strong and keep singing the song of life!
