Three factors that increase the risk of heart disease in young people

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death globally, with an estimated 17.9 million deaths each year. Unhealthy habits and lifestyle can lead to heart health problems. These habits easily cause high blood pressure, unstable blood sugar levels, and obesity.

These conditions are all linked to heart disease, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure which can cause heart attacks, strokes and narrowing of the arteries. Heart disease is usually associated with older people, but it can also occur in people under 40 due to certain risk factors.

Sedentary, unhealthy eating

An important cause of heart problems in young people is unhealthy daily habits. Lack of exercise, sitting too much and skipping meals increases the risk of obesity and high blood pressure. Busy lives easily cause young people to prioritize processed foods with little nutritional value. They are often high in saturated fat and trans fat, which increase cholesterol, which can lead to atherosclerosis.

Young people should aim for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, at least 150 minutes or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Moderate activities include walking, cycling, jumping rope, and high-intensity activities include jogging, lifting weights, and squatting. Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and less fat and salt helps reduce heart-related concerns.

Prolonged stress

Stress is another factor that causes heart problems. Stress increases the activity of the amygdala in the brain. It is highly active and stimulates the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, affecting blood vessels. At this time, plaque accumulates in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Meditation, yoga, daily exercise, and enough sleep can improve your mood and maintain a healthy heart and mind.

Family history of heart disease

Genetic factors also significantly impact the risk of heart disease in young people. Although this is an unchangeable factor, maintaining good habits contributes to significantly reducing the risk. For example, if your loved one has high blood fat, you should check your cholesterol index once a year, limit processed meat, and cut down on foods high in sugar. Increasing your exercise and eating more vegetables and healthy fats can help.

Early detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease helps increase treatment effectiveness. Identify risk factors, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly for appropriate prevention and medical intervention if necessary. People with early warning signs such as chest discomfort, difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeat should see a specialist early.