Why are teenagers (adolescents) getting affected by heart attacks?
1. Heart attacks commonly affect older people. However, we have seen a recent increase in number of young people and even teenagers getting affected. What are the underlying reasons?
1. Heart attacks commonly affect older people. However, we have seen a recent increase in number of young people and even teenagers getting affected. What are the underlying reasons?
2. It is easy to put the entire blame on Covid 19 illness & covid vaccines, but that won't do proper justice (to our youth). There are several other possible reasons that have increased the risk of heart attacks in younger population, including adolescents. Let us look at them:
3. High prevalence of depression, anxiety & stress (DAS) among school-going children.
In a survey done among school going adolescents, the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was found to be 65%, 81% and 47%, respectively.
DAS increase the risk of heart attack.
In a survey done among school going adolescents, the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was found to be 65%, 81% and 47%, respectively.
DAS increase the risk of heart attack.
4. The prevalence of prediabetes/diabetes (risk factor for heart attack) has increased among adolescents
In a study, the prevalence of prediabetes/diabetes was found to be 12.3% among adolescent boys & 8.4% among adolescent girls, including those from poor socio-economic strata.
In a study, the prevalence of prediabetes/diabetes was found to be 12.3% among adolescent boys & 8.4% among adolescent girls, including those from poor socio-economic strata.
5. Dyslipidemia- another common risk factor for heart attack- has increased among adolescents.
In a survey done at Delhi, 12-15% adolescents (male and female) were found to have elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. 5% had low HDL cholesterol.
In a survey done at Delhi, 12-15% adolescents (male and female) were found to have elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. 5% had low HDL cholesterol.
6. There is a high prevalence of hypertension (serious risk factor for heart attack) among adolescents.
The prevalence of hypertension across India ranged from 2% to 20.5%.
The pooled prevalence of hypertension among adolescents in India is 7.6% (1 in 13 adolescents has high BP)
The prevalence of hypertension across India ranged from 2% to 20.5%.
The pooled prevalence of hypertension among adolescents in India is 7.6% (1 in 13 adolescents has high BP)
7. Risk factors for non-communicable diseases have been increasing among 15-17 year old.
Prevalence of daily use of tobacco (3%), insufficient physical activity (25%), overweight (6%), and obesity (2%) was high among adolescents.
Prevalence of daily use of tobacco (3%), insufficient physical activity (25%), overweight (6%), and obesity (2%) was high among adolescents.
8. High prevalence of sleep deprivation among school-going adolescents
In a study done at Kerala among adolescents aged 13-18, prevalence of sleep deprivation was 76%.
Sleep deprivation is associated with higher risk of heart attack.
In a study done at Kerala among adolescents aged 13-18, prevalence of sleep deprivation was 76%.
Sleep deprivation is associated with higher risk of heart attack.
9. Unhealthy food habits among adolescents
In a survey (24 hrs food recall) among 14-16 yr old, following observations were made:
No vegetable consumption-30%, no fruit consumption-45%, 3 or more servings of energy dense snacks-70%, and 3 or more servings of sugary beverages 47%.
In a survey (24 hrs food recall) among 14-16 yr old, following observations were made:
No vegetable consumption-30%, no fruit consumption-45%, 3 or more servings of energy dense snacks-70%, and 3 or more servings of sugary beverages 47%.
10. Summary:
▶️There is a high prevalence of traditional risk factors-prediabetes, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, overweight, obesity, sedentary time & unhealthy food patterns- among adolescents.
▶️Some of them could be having undiagnosed congenital heart diseases.
▶️There is a high prevalence of traditional risk factors-prediabetes, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, overweight, obesity, sedentary time & unhealthy food patterns- among adolescents.
▶️Some of them could be having undiagnosed congenital heart diseases.
11. What needs to be done to reduce heart attacks among adolescents?
▶️Encourage physical activity- engage in outdoor games, sports
▶️Minimize leisure-time screen use & video games
▶️Encourage fruits & vegetable intake
▶️Discourage intake of energy dense snacks & sugary drinks
▶️Encourage physical activity- engage in outdoor games, sports
▶️Minimize leisure-time screen use & video games
▶️Encourage fruits & vegetable intake
▶️Discourage intake of energy dense snacks & sugary drinks
12. (continuation...)
▶️Control weight if overweight or obese
▶️Check BP, sugar and cholesterol levels. Treat if high
▶️Screen for depression, anxiety and stress; treat if present
▶️Ensure adequate sleep at nights (8 hours)
▶️Get Echocardiogram done; Cardiology opinion if needed.
▶️Control weight if overweight or obese
▶️Check BP, sugar and cholesterol levels. Treat if high
▶️Screen for depression, anxiety and stress; treat if present
▶️Ensure adequate sleep at nights (8 hours)
▶️Get Echocardiogram done; Cardiology opinion if needed.
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