Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 12: The alarming rise in heart-related deaths across India — including among young and seemingly healthy individuals — is being driven by a mix of poor lifestyle habits and genetic factors, say top health experts.

Dr. Rajiv Bhal, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), noted that roughly 20% of heart-related fatalities in India are linked to inherited genes. However, he also cited increasing binge drinking, silent hypertension, childhood obesity, poor sleep, and chronic stress as major contributors to the crisis.

He warned particularly about the risks of excessive gym workouts, which can become dangerous for people with underlying genetic heart conditions.

Dr. Bhal recommended six pillars of a heart-healthy life:

• Regular physical activity
• No smoking
• Adequate sleep
• A balanced diet
• Stress reduction
• Practicing meditation

Genetic Red Flags: Lipoprotein(a) & Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Dr J.P.S. Sawhney, Chairperson of Cardiology at a major Delhi hospital, highlighted two common genetic issues increasing heart attack risks in Indians: familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a).

• Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) affects around 1 in 250 people globally and is found in 15% of heart attack patients under 40 in India.
• Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels are present in about 25% of the Indian population and are closely linked to severe coronary artery disease.

“High levels of lipoprotein(a) — over 50 mg/dL — are especially common in younger heart attack patients,” said Dr. Sawhney.

Though genetic testing is ideal to detect FH, Dr. Sawhney said many Indian hospitals rely on the Dutch Lipid Clinical Network (DLCN) Criteria to identify cases, using cholesterol levels and family history. Early treatment can begin as young as age 2 to reduce future heart risk.

As for lipoprotein(a), there is no specific treatment yet, though global trials for targeted therapies are ongoing and results are expected by 2026. Until then, doctors are focused on aggressively controlling other risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and LDL cholesterol in patients with high lipoprotein(a).

Bottom line: Even for fit individuals, hidden risks may lurk. Experts urge routine health screenings, attention to genetic predispositions, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle from an early age to curb the silent epidemic of cardiac deaths in India.