Experts call for early screening, healthier lifestyle to curb sudden cardiac deaths among youth

By Admin

07 Oct, 2025

Amid rising reports of sudden cardiac deaths among young individuals, leading cardiologists have stressed the urgent need for prevention through regular screening and healthier living habits. The message was at the forefront of a webinar organized by The Hindu on Sunday, focusing on the alarming increase in cardiac events among India’s youth.

A Growing Concern in India
K. Kannan, Director of the Institute of Cardiology at Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, highlighted that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become the leading cause of death in India, accounting for nearly 28% of all fatalities. “Hospital studies show that up to 16% of patients presenting with acute cardiac illness are under the age of 40,” he revealed.

Dr. Kannan pointed to several preventable causes, including sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, chronic stress, obesity, smoking, and diabetes. “Most of these cases can be prevented through early screening, healthy diets, and regular physical activity,” he said. He also praised initiatives like Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, which have improved doorstep detection of hypertension and diabetes in Tamil Nadu.

Understanding the Causes
When asked about the medical reasons behind sudden cardiac arrests, Dr. Kannan explained that postmortem studies indicate around 80% of such cases are due to structural heart diseases, while the remaining 20% are linked to arrhythmias. Genetic predispositions can also play a role, though structural heart disease remains the primary cause in most cases.

Heart Age Over Chronological Age
Priya Chockalingam, Clinical Director of the Cardiac Wellness Institute, urged young people to assess their “heart age” rather than focusing only on their chronological age. “Regular physical activity   at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week   a balanced diet with minimal processed foods, and adequate sleep are crucial for maintaining heart health,” she advised.

Post-COVID Heart Checks
Dr. Priya also addressed concerns about the effects of COVID-19 on cardiac health. “The virus affects not only the lungs but also the heart muscle and the blood vessels supplying the heart,” she said, recommending that individuals who have had COVID-19 undergo an ECG to assess their heart function   a step many physicians tend to overlook.

Vaccine Safety and Prevention First
On the topic of vaccine-related cardiac events, Dr. Priya clarified that such risks are “extremely rare” and far lower than the risks posed by COVID-19 itself. She emphasized that vaccines remain safe and effective, urging people not to delay preventive healthcare due to unfounded fears.

A Call to Action
Both experts concluded that sudden cardiac deaths are largely preventable through lifestyle modifications, routine heart screenings, and public awareness. Early detection and a proactive approach to heart health, they agreed, are the keys to protecting India’s young population from this silent and growing threat.