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A leading cardiac surgeon has sounded the alarm over the rising risk of silent heart attacks among young, seemingly healthy Indians, highlighting a worrying trend that is challenging traditional perceptions of heart disease risk.
Dr. Niranjan Hiremath, senior consultant and cardiovascular and aortic surgeon at Apollo Indraprastha, New Delhi, warns that silent heart attacks—medically known as silent myocardial infarctions—are becoming increasingly common in India’s younger population. Unlike the dramatic chest pain typically associated with heart attacks, these episodes often present with mild or unusual symptoms—such as fatigue, indigestion, or muscle pain—that are easily dismissed or misdiagnosed.
“It’s alarming to see people in their 30s or 40s, who appear healthy and active, suddenly collapsing or ending up in the emergency room with a heart attack they never saw coming,” Dr. Hiremath told HT Lifestyle. He emphasized that up to 60% of all heart attacks may be silent, according to estimates from the Cleveland Clinic, and these are more common in women and individuals with diabetes.
The reasons behind this disturbing trend are multifaceted. Stressful work environments, irregular sleep cycles, processed diets, smoking, and excessive gym routines without proper heart checks are all contributing factors. Dr. Hiremath also pointed out that genetics play a significant role: Indians are genetically predisposed to heart disease at an earlier age due to smaller coronary arteries and a higher prevalence of diabetes and cholesterol issues.
Despite appearing fit, many young Indians may be carrying silent risk factors internally. Subtle warning signs—such as mild chest discomfort, breathlessness during exercise, unexplained fatigue, pain in the jaw, neck or arms, dizziness, or indigestion-like discomfort—are often ignored, especially by the youth.
Prevention and Awareness
To reduce the risk of silent heart attacks, experts recommend adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management. Regular health check-ups are crucial, as many risk factors—like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol—can be detected and managed early.
Dr. Hiremath stressed that the stereotype of heart patients as overweight, sedentary, or elderly no longer holds true. “Many teens with healthy-looking bodies and active lifestyles are now part of heart disease statistics,” he said.
Conclusion
Silent heart attacks pose a serious threat to young and fit Indians, with many cases going undetected until significant damage has occurred. Increased awareness, timely medical checks, and lifestyle modifications are key to reversing this trend.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
