Bengaluru: Karnataka has recently witnessed a surge in heart attack cases, affecting people across age groups — even children. This trend has raised concerns: Are heart attacks genuinely increasing, or are they just receiving more media coverage? According to leading cardiologist Dr. C.N. Manjunath of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, the unfortunate truth is that heart attacks have indeed become more frequent in recent years.Fflirtygo Men Graphic Print Cotton T-Shirt & Short Set for Men/Boys

Dr. Manjunath attributes this rise to changing lifestyles, including excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy oily and processed foods, and a general lack of awareness and attention to health. He emphasizes that these lifestyle habits are key contributors to the alarming trend.

🔬 Heart Attacks on the Rise for the Last 15 Years

Dr. Manjunath states that heart attacks have been increasing for the past 15 years. While lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol are obvious risk factors, even those who don’t indulge can be at risk due to genetic predisposition. In many cases, there’s a family history of heart disease. Around 15–20% of heart attack cases in young people occur without any clear cause — though air pollution and mental stress are likely triggers.

🩺 Early Screening Is Crucial

If you have a family history of heart disease, Dr. Manjunath recommends getting a heart check-up by age 25–30. Smokers and diabetics should consider a CT angiogram to assess the condition of their coronary arteries.

⚠️ Recognizing Early Warning Signs

In some cases, patients receive early warning signs before a heart attack. These may include chest discomfort while walking, eating, or climbing stairs — which could indicate blocked arteries. Pain in the upper abdomen with vomiting is another possible symptom but is often misinterpreted as a gastric issue. He warns not to ignore such symptoms and urges people to seek immediate medical attention.

🍔 Lifestyle Choices Directly Affect Heart Health

Our bodies are filled with blood vessels and organs working in sync. However, consuming harmful foods can lead to fat deposits in arteries, narrowing the space for blood flow. As a result, the heart is forced to work harder, increasing the risk of heart attacks.

Dr. Manjunath advises cutting back on oily, fatty foods and excessive meat consumption. He also urges parents to reduce packaged snacks given to children, promote physical activity and yoga, and raise awareness about health and nutrition from a young age. These changes can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.