World Heart Day: What young people should know about heart health

Although heart disease is commonly associated with older age, critical underlying risk factors start developing much earlier in life. The WHO highlights tobacco use, physical inactivity, poor diet, excessive alcohol, high blood pressure, elevated glucose, high cholesterol, and obesity as key contributors that youth alone cannot automatically protect against.

Because conditions like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol rarely display obvious symptoms, feeling completely healthy does not guarantee safety. Quick blood pressure checks and standard lipid profiles easily measure these risks. Consult a healthcare professional to determine appropriate monitoring intervals based on your age, lifestyle, and family medical history.

Prolonged sitting is an independent cardiovascular risk factor that actively contributes to obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. When daily routines consist largely of studying, commuting, or desk work, build intentional movement directly into your day by taking regular breaks, walking continuously, and selecting sustainable weekly physical activities.

Your current cardiovascular risk profile is not a permanent condition fixed by past habits. Quitting tobacco, increasing physical activity, enhancing nutrition, lowering salt intake, and managing blood pressure or cholesterol significantly reduce risk. Focus on improving one measurable habit at a time rather than waiting for a medical crisis.

A heart attack typically involves chest pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. However, be alert for discomfort radiating to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, along with accompanying warning signs such as unusual fatigue, persistent shortness of breath, sudden nausea, cold sweating, or lightheadedness.

If you suspect a heart attack, do not wait to see if symptoms disappear. Seek emergency medical care immediately, as prompt intervention saves lives and minimises permanent muscle damage. Because heart attack symptoms can start gradually and fluctuate, quick professional treatment is essential for protecting your long-term heart function.

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