NewDelhi, Sep 2 (IANS) The demise of television actor Sidharth Shukla, 40, due toa heart attack early this morning, has opened many questions on the health andlifestyle among young people.
Shukla,best known for his role of Shivraj Shekhar in "Balika Vadhu", wasknown to be very particular about his exercise, fitness, and meditation.
Whileobesity, sedentary lifestyles, and old age are traditionally existing reasons forheart ailments, health experts suggest increased workouts, stress and currentlyCovid can also add to the risk.
"Generallycardiac issues are considered to be associated with obesity, old age orunhealthy lifestyle, but the fact is even a healthy young person apparentlyfollowing a fitness regime can also suffer heart attack," Dr Anand KumarPandey, Director and Senior Consultant, Cardiology, Dharamshila NarayanaSuperspeciality Hospital, told IANS.
"Wecan never have insight into a person's lifestyle, which includes hecticschedule, stress -- they also have so much to do with heart health," headded.
Stressplays a major role, the experts noted.
"Theyouth of India has adopted bad lifestyle habits to deal with the stress theyare facing due to their high-pressure jobs and while ambition is good there isan urgent need for balance," Dr T.S. Kler, Chairman, Fortis Heart andVascular Institute, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, told IANS.
Butcan exercise, often touted as a preventive measure, also affect heart health?
"Whilehigh levels of cholesterol may cause blockages in arteries, going extremelybeyond the capacity of the body for exercises or workout puts extra pressure onblood vessels, and the same condition may potentially result in cardiacattack," Pandey said.
Further,the experts noted that young people no longer go for bi-annual or annual checkups and therefore, do not have an idea of what is going on in their body.
"Sometimes,you do not get warning signs. But one thing to notice is if you are gettingbreathless and having chest, arm, or jaw discomfort while exercising orphysically exerting yourself," Kler said.
Moreover,Covid infection as well as its long-lasting effects are also known to affectheart health.
Abnormalantibody response may raise blood clot risk in Covid patients, resulting inheart attacks and strokes, according to a recent study published in the journalBlood.
"Inprevailing times Covid infection may also aggravate the cardiac problems in acardiac patient, even in post-Covid syndrome cardiac problems are majorly beingseen. We need to broaden the perspectives about heart health," Pandeysaid.
Theexperts added that genetic predisposition or family history is also a factor.
"Ifyou have a family history of heart disease and are above the age of 25... Forexample, if someone has a brother who passed away at the age of 35 due to aheart attack, it is imperative that they start going for regular check upsafter they turn 25. The body changes and responds differently as we grow, andwe need to ensure that we are aware of what is happening inside," Klersaid.
However,this does not mean the conventional risk factors including diabetes, high bloodpressure, high cholesterol, and smoking does not play a role. The expertssuggested regular health checkups after the age of 30 to detect and reduce riskfactors.