Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, July 14: In recent months, Karnataka has witnessed a disturbing rise in sudden cardiac deaths among young individuals—many of them seemingly healthy. Concerned by this alarming trend, Dr Yusuf Kumble, one of South India’s leading cardiologists and managing director of Indiana Hospital, Mangaluru, has urged the public to prioritise awareness, early screening, and healthy lifestyle choices to curb what he calls a “silent crisis”.
Speaking to the media, Dr Yusuf Kumble said, “We are now witnessing unexpected cardiac deaths in younger age groups, and Karnataka is not spared. The government has taken steps to monitor and document such incidents—especially those involving the young—to assess whether this is an emerging epidemiological trend. However, the exact cause behind this surge remains uncertain.”
Dr Kumble noted that cases of sudden cardiac arrest or acute myocardial infarction in otherwise healthy individuals suggest that many of these tragedies are preventable. “Preventive measures must begin at the community level,” he stressed.
Among the key lifestyle-related contributors to this crisis, Dr Kumble highlighted sleep deprivation. “Many youngsters are addicted to mobile phones and social media, which compromises their sleep. People must ensure at least 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night,” he cautioned.
He also pointed to the growing issue of dehydration. “Exposure to air-conditioned environments and lack of water intake often go unnoticed. Many people don’t feel thirsty and end up drinking very little water. Adequate hydration is essential to prevent internal clot formation, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes,” he warned.
Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and high levels of stress are other major factors. “Most young people today have little to no physical activity. Many only start exercising after age 50. But good habits must begin early,” Dr Kumble advised.
Drawing a contrast with previous generations, he said, “Thirty to fifty years ago, children had playgrounds and engaged in outdoor activities. Today, urban areas are concrete jungles and many schools lack playgrounds. This decline in physical activity and social interaction is worrying.”
He also noted other contributing factors, including work-related stress, personal anxiety, smoking, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, and increasing reliance on fast food. “Fast food often contains harmful artificial ingredients that may damage heart health. Home-cooked meals have become rare, especially for working individuals,” he said.
Traditional risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and a family history of cardiac illness remain significant. “Combined with poor lifestyle choices, these factors are a dangerous mix,” he warned.
As a preventive measure, Dr Kumble recommended regular heart screenings for those at risk. “If someone has a family history of heart disease or leads a sedentary life, they should undergo annual health checks—blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, treadmill test, echocardiogram, and a full cardiology consultation,” he advised.
Special offer: 'Love Your Heart' package at discounted price
Indiana Hospital and Heart Institute, Mangaluru, has launched a special heart check-up initiative titled ‘Love Your Heart’. The package, originally priced at Rs 4,500, is now being offered at a concessional rate of Rs 1,999. The package includes Random Blood Sugar (RBS), Creatinine, Lipid Profile, ECG, Echocardiogram, Treadmill Test (TMT), and a cardiologist consultation.