Since the coronavirus pandemic, incidents of myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attacks have increased. The victims include people of all ages. However, a notable increase has been observed among young adults. It is evident that there are countless cases of heart attacks despite the absence of hereditary causes or other risk factors. A recent South Indian study has revealed even more alarming information.
Why doctors are increasingly worried about heart health in young women?
The study conducted by a private hospital in Karnataka shows that the increase in heart attacks among young adults had risen significantly even before the coronavirus period. Nearly 20% of patients had no prior indication of conventional risk factors. And a significant portion (8%) of MI victims are young women and girls. The Shri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, the Bengaluru hospital, makes this claim through this survey titled 'Premature Heart Attack Study' conducted among 18-45 year olds from 2014 to 2020.
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However, this study is not yet complete. This information about the age and gender of heart attack patients has emerged in the interim report. All the patients were admitted to that hospital at some point during those seven years. CN Manjunath, the hospital's director and cardiologist, reports that the increasing tendency of heart attacks among young adults, especially young women, is particularly concerning. He states that such cases were not seen two to three decades ago. According to him, family history and lifestyle changes play the biggest role behind this.
Cardiologist Shubhra Bandyopadhyay agrees. He says, 'Menstruating women have higher levels of estrogen hormone in their bodies. This hormone keeps the heart healthy. That's why heart attack cases have always been less common among women, especially at a young age. But nowadays, lifestyle changes are breaking even that protective estrogen armor.' He explains that generally after menopause, the influence of estrogen gradually decreases. And after age 60, women no longer have much difference from men in terms of heart attack risk.
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Veteran cardiologist Dhiman Kahali further reports that the age at which this difference disappears compared to men is also decreasing for women due to smoking, drinking habits, and various other lifestyle changes. This is comprehensively affecting daily metabolism. The result is heart attacks. And in many cases, premature death cannot be avoided either.
Doctors are concerned because Indian women have a greater tendency for triglycerides to increase due to dietary habits and genetic reasons. The more refined flour and fried foods consumed, the more triglycerides increase. Also, blood vessels constrict with cold weather. As a result, the risk of heart attacks also increases.
