Why Are Heart Attacks Increasing in Young Indians?

By Dr. Richa Agrawal in Cardiology Interventional Cardiology

Sep 15, 2025

In recent years, India has witnessed a worrying trend – a sharp rise in heart attacks among young people. Traditionally, heart disease and cardiac arrests were considered illnesses of people above 50 or 60 years. But now, men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 are increasingly falling victim to heart problems, sometimes fatally. This is not just a medical concern but also a social and economic challenge for the nation.

1. Lifestyle Changes

Modern lifestyle has brought convenience but at the cost of health.

• Unhealthy Diets: Fast foods, processed snacks, and high-sugar beverages are now part of daily life, leading to obesity and clogged arteries.
• Sedentary Habits: Desk jobs, excessive screen time, and lack of exercise result in poor cardiovascular fitness.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Tobacco use and excessive alcohol intake damage blood vessels and significantly increase heart attack risk.

2. Stress and Mental Health

Young Indians today are under immense mental pressure.

• Corporate Work Culture: Long working hours, irregular schedules, and high-performance demands create chronic stress.
• Poor Sleep: Late nights, excessive screen use, and lack of rest affect heart health.
• Stress Hormones: High levels of cortisol and adrenaline increase blood pressure and strain the heart, making young individuals vulnerable to cardiac events.

3. Genetics and Family History

Indians are genetically more prone to cardiovascular diseases compared to many Western populations.

• A family history of diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease increases risk.
• Indian body type is more prone to central obesity (fat around the abdomen), a key factor in heart disease.

4. Diabetes and Hypertension

• Even in their 20s and 30s, many young Indians are being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
• These “silent killers” damage arteries gradually, making heart attacks more likely – often without any warning signs.

5. COVID-19 Aftereffects

The pandemic has had a lingering effect on heart health.

• Studies have shown COVID-19 can cause inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) and increase blood clotting tendencies.
• Young adults recovering from COVID are at higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

6. Social & Environmental Factors

• Night Shifts & Irregular Sleep: Working against the body’s natural clock weakens heart function.
• Urban Lifestyle: Junk food, pollution, late nights, and chronic fatigue in metro cities accelerate heart problems.
• Lack of Preventive Check-ups: Young people often avoid regular health screenings, so conditions like high cholesterol or hypertension go unnoticed until it’s too late.

How Can Young Indians Protect Themselves?

Heart disease is not entirely preventable, but risk can be significantly reduced with lifestyle changes and awareness.

Regular Exercise

At least 30–45 minutes of daily activity like brisk walking, jogging, yoga, or gym workouts keeps the heart strong.

Balanced Diet

• Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet.
• Cut down on fried, processed, and sugary foods.

Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol

• Smoking is one of the biggest triggers for early heart attacks. Quitting drastically reduces risk.
• Alcohol intake should be strictly limited, or preferably avoided altogether.

Manage Stress

• Meditation, breathing exercises, and maintaining hobbies can reduce anxiety.
• Good sleep (7–8 hours) is essential for heart repair and recovery.

Regular Health Check-ups

• Annual screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and ECG helps detect problems early.

Work-Life Balance

• Success is important, but not at the cost of health. Taking breaks, spending time with family, and maintaining a routine can protect the heart.

The rise of heart attacks among young Indians is a result of modern lifestyle choices, high stress, genetic predisposition, and lack of awareness. Unlike older generations, today’s youth are exposed to risk factors much earlier in life.

It is time to prioritize health as much as career and financial goals. By adopting healthier habits, getting regular check-ups, and managing stress, young Indians can safeguard their hearts.

Because at the end of the day —
a healthy heart is the foundation of a healthy future.