The increasing cases of heart attacks worldwide has been a concern for doctors and researchers. Statistics suggest that men are at high risk of heart attack than women. Additionally, 50% of all heart attack cases reported occur below the age of 50 years, and one fourth of these occur below the age of 30 years.
Heart attack is mainly caused when supply of oxygen-rich blood to heart is blocked. Another reason persisting for heart attack, may be due to stoppage of blood flowing into the muscles, owing to a long persisting heart disease or unhealthy lifestyle.
According a Harvard health study, a majority of heart disease in young adults is caused by the same risk factors that cause coronary artery disease in older men. The culprits include a family history of heart disease, smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension and prehypertension, abdominal obesity, diabetes, the metabolic syndrome, lack of exercise, hostility, elevated levels of C-reactive protein, and low educational attainment.
Most common causes of heart attack before 30 years of age;
- Genetic causes
- Risk of smokers and alcohol. Passive smokings also have the risk of heart diseases for nonsmokers.
- A diet rich in saturated and trans-fat affects coronary arteries and increase the risk of heart attack.
- Saturated and Trans- fats in diet increase the LDL (bad) cholesterol level.
- Diabetes increases the risk of various heart diseases and stroke.
- Hypertension, obesity and physical inactivity; all helps increase risks of heart attacks.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and choose to live in a stress free environment help reducing the risks of heart attacks.
