Lifestyle Factors-

Poor diet: High intake of processed foods, refined carbs, sugary drinks, and trans fats leads to obesity and clogged arteries.

Sedentary habits: Desk jobs, long screen time, and lack of exercise weaken cardiovascular health.

Smoking & vaping: Both damage blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and reduce oxygen supply.

Alcohol & drug use: Excessive alcohol and stimulants like cocaine/amphetamines can trigger sudden cardiac events

Stress & Mental Health

• Chronic stress from work, financial pressure, and urban living raises cortisol and adrenaline, which damage blood vessels.

Medical Conditions Emerging Earlier–

• Obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure—once considered “old age” problems—are now common in people under 40.
• High cholesterol and insulin resistance silently damage arteries over time.

Genetics & Family History–

• A family history of early heart disease significantly raises risk.
• Conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia (very high inherited cholesterol) can cause heart attacks in the 20s or 30s.

Post-COVID Effects-

• COVID-19 has been linked to lingering inflammation, clotting issues, and microvascular damage, which can increase cardiac risk.

Neglect of Early Symptoms-

• Young people often dismiss chest discomfort, fatigue, or shortness of breath as “stress” or “exhaustion,” delaying treatment.

🛡️ Prevention & Protection-

• Regular check-ups: Blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose screening should start before 40.
• Daily activity: At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise.
• Diet reset: More whole foods, less processed junk.
• Stress management: Meditation, yoga, or even structured downtime.
• Quit smoking/vaping and limit alcohol.
• Awareness: Don’t ignore early warning signs—seek medical help immediately.

👉 In short: it’s a perfect storm of modern lifestyle, stress, early-onset chronic diseases, and sometimes genetics that’s driving this trend. The good news is, most of these risks are modifiable with awareness and lifestyle changes.