With the incidence of heart attacks increasing among young people, experts stress the importance of immediate medical attention, lifestyle changes, and promoting healthy habits from a young age
The theme for World Heart Day 2024, ‘My health, my right’, highlights the growing concern over the rising incidence of heart attacks and strokes in Jammu & Kashmir, a trend that mirrors global patterns. Experts point to factors such as pollution, lack of exercise, and high consumption of fast food as primary contributors to this alarming rise. In the valley, post-Covid complications, increasing substance abuse, and sedentary lifestyles have further exacerbated the situation.
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow supplying oxygen to the heart muscle is significantly reduced or completely blocked. Globally, heart disease accounts for approximately 27-31 percent of deaths, affecting nearly 20.5 million people, with 85 percent of these deaths being preventable through prompt and appropriate treatment.
A recent study by the Global Health Research Institute reveals that Jammu & Kashmir has recorded a staggering 29.6% of deaths due to heart-related ailments. The data further indicates that 25% of these deaths occur among individuals aged 25-69 years. Out of these, 32.8% occur in urban areas, while 22.9% are reported from rural regions. The incidence of heart attacks tends to increase in winter compared to summer due to extreme weather conditions, which limit physical activities and encourage a sedentary lifestyle.
Clinical observations suggest that one in every five heart attack patients in Kashmir is under the age of 45. Cardiologists at various tertiary healthcare facilities in the Union Territory have noted that the number of heart attacks has nearly doubled over the past five years. Hospitals in the region have seen a significant rise in the number of stent procedures performed, which has almost doubled in the last two years.
Dr. Irfan, a core member of the ‘Save Heart Initiative’—a group that handles cardiac emergencies virtually, saving hundreds of lives each year—emphasized that heart health should be a top priority. He warned that heart damage is often irreversible, and there has been a drastic increase in heart attack cases in Kashmir. Since 2019, the rate has doubled compared to three years prior. In 2018, hospitals like SMHS and SKIMS in Srinagar were treating 4-5 heart attack patients daily during the summer and fall months. Today, that number has surged to 10-15 patients per day. Many patients still ignore the early symptoms of an attack, which, if not treated promptly, can lead to permanent heart damage. This is a concerning trend.
Dr. Irfan lamented that despite technological advancements in Kashmir, the overall health of the population has deteriorated due to lack of physical activity. He advised managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, quitting smoking, reducing stress, eating a vegetable-rich diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular exercise to significantly lower the risk of heart attacks.
Cardiologists also emphasized the importance of recognizing common heart attack symptoms, which include chest pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or aching. The pain can radiate to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or upper abdomen. Other symptoms may include cold sweats, fatigue, heartburn or indigestion, lightheadedness or dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. They recommended a 45-minute brisk walk daily for maintaining cardiac health and shared the “6 S” formula: Reduce SALT to control hypertension, control SUGARS, reduce STRESS, STOP smoking, find SOLACE in meditation, and SWIM or walk briskly every day.
According to doctors, coronary artery disease is a lifestyle disease, with 70 percent of cases being preventable through lifestyle modifications such as remaining smoke-free, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining an ideal body weight, and managing stress levels.
Experts stress the importance of immediate medical attention during the first hour of a heart attack, known as the “golden hour,” which is crucial for maximizing recovery. They advise that any middle-aged individual experiencing retrosternal pain radiating to the left arm should seek immediate medical help and call for an ambulance.
Addressing the Issue Among the Youth: Given the increasing number of young people falling victim to heart attacks, it is crucial to promote lifestyle changes. This includes incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines, reducing smoking and drug abuse, and avoiding the pursuit of instant success, which often leads to stress and subsequent unhealthy habits. Youths need to understand the importance of gradual progress and hard work over time. Immediate lifestyle changes are essential for ensuring a healthy and secure future.
The writer is a student of BSc Nursing (4th Semester) at the Ramzaan College of Nursing, Galandar, Pulwama
By Shahid Shafi Rather
Alarming Rise In Heart Attack Cases Among J&K’s Young Population added by Shahid Shafi Rather on
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