The Rise of Cardiovascular Diseases in Youth
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: General Science (Health & Nutrition - Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)); Social Development; Government Policies & Schemes (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke - NPCDCS, Ayushman Bharat).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Population and associated issues; Social empowerment.
General Studies Paper 2 (Health, Governance, Social Justice): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections. The impact of lifestyle changes on public health is a key topic.
Key Highlights from the News
Cardiovascular diseases, previously seen mainly in the elderly, are now significantly affecting young people aged 20-40 in India. This is a serious public health crisis.
According to hospital data from 2020-2023, 50% of heart attack victims were under 40 years of age.
Main Causes:
Modern lifestyle: Lack of exercise, prolonged working hours, unhealthy eating habits, high mental stress, smoking, lack of sleep.
Experts state that lifestyle now plays a more significant role in this condition than genetic factors.
Solutions:
Make healthy changes to lifestyle.
Conduct regular health check-ups.
Do not ignore warning signs such as chest pain, excessive sweating, and shortness of breath.
Increasing public education on this issue is essential. Currently, only 25% of people know the correct symptoms.
Government schemes like NPCDCS and Ayushman Bharat are working in this area, but they need to be strengthened further.
Youth heart health is not just a personal matter but a national concern, as it directly affects the country's "demographic dividend."'
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