Even as World Heart Day 2018 was observed on Saturday with a plethora of events on the importance of heart health, of late steroid use has been attributed as one of the reasons for the rising number of cases of heart diseases among youngsters. This is apart from the other risk factors such as tobacco consumption, genetic factors, stress, hypertension and diabetes.As per the latest ‘district level household and family survey’, 21% of Hyderabad’s population over 18 years have hypertension and about 16% adults have reported cardiovascular problems in the last one year. Cardiac arrest is seen 8-10 years earlier in Indians as compared to other ethnic groups across the world.
“Studies show that there is a link between cardiac arrest and steroid-use for bodybuilding or indiscriminate use of painkillers. Also, in most cases, one or more of the other contributing factors, such as tobacco consumption, family history of premature heart disease, genetic causes, diabetes, stress, unhealthy food habits, physical inactivity and usage of drugs were noticed,” said Dr Sai Ravi Shanker, general secretary, Cardiologist Society of India, Telangana state. The incidence of hypertension has also risen among youngsters, especially in the southern states, he added.
“Out of every 10 patients, 4-5 are between the ages of 30 and 40, of which three are compulsive smokers,” says Dr Sharath Reddy, interventional cardiologist, Maxcure Hospitals, Madhapur.
Long working hours also affect most people. “Work anxiety and sedentary lifestyle are also contributing towards heart diseases in the younger generation,” said Dr Nisarga, consultant cardiovascular surgeon, KIMS hospital Kondapur.