New Delhi: Looking young and feeling healthy may not always mean that the heart is healthy. Doctors are increasingly seeing lifestyle-related risk factors among younger adults, raising concerns about cardiovascular health in the 20s and 30s.
High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, raised blood sugar, excess weight, poor sleep, stress and tobacco use can gradually damage cardiovascular health without causing obvious symptoms.
Why heart risks are appearing earlier
Long hours at desks, limited physical activity, processed foods, irregular sleep and demanding work schedules can contribute to metabolic problems.
Dr Bhavana Sharma, Co-Founder and Director of The Longevity Center and Nutrazen, said young professionals are increasingly presenting with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and fatty liver disease.
Cardiovascular problems usually develop over years rather than appearing suddenly. Persistent high blood pressure, unhealthy blood fats and elevated blood sugar can progressively increase the risk.
Feeling healthy is not enough
Hypertension and high cholesterol can remain unnoticed for years. Overweight and obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome can further increase cardiovascular risk.
The World Health Organization identifies raised blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids, along with overweight and obesity, as important cardiovascular risk factors.
Prevention should start early
Regular physical activity, balanced meals, adequate sleep and avoiding tobacco can help reduce long-term risk. The WHO recommends adults complete 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
Young adults should also know their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, particularly if they have a family history or other risk factors.
Prevention in your 20s and 30s is not about fearing illness. It is about protecting the decades of good health that lie ahead.