Young adults need to beware of heart attacks post-Covid-19, here’s why

The effect of two years of the Covid-19 pandemic on one's health is slowly being unravelled on a daily basis by experts. People, across age groups, are experiencing different kinds of effects months after recovering from the virus and that now is being called ‘Long Covid'.

There has been an alarming rise in the number of people suffering and dying from heart attacks. According to an earlier Mid-day Online report, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) public health department, Mumbai witnessed 17,880 deaths due to heart attack between January 2021 to June 2021 compared to 5,633 deaths in 2020. While the numbers indicate the number of deaths, city doctors have also seen a rise in the number of people being treated for heart attacks over the course of the last two years and more so among younger adults.

Mid-day Online spoke to Dr Ameya Udyavar, consultant cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, PD Hinduja Hospital & MRC and Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, cardio-thoracic surgeon, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre and they say the reasons are a mix of regular lifestyle habits and could also be Covid-19. They express the need for caution and why more people need to be concerned about it after suffering from Covid.

Has there been an increase in the number of heart attacks experienced by younger adults during the Covid 19 pandemic?

Udyavar says there has been an increase in heart attacks in younger adults but it's difficult to say if it's due to Covid unless thoroughly investigated. He explains, "Most of them could be due to the conventional risk factors like smoking, increased mental stress, lack of exercise, high cholesterol etc."

However, Bhamre says this could be due to the sedentary lifestyle during the pandemic. He adds, "With no socialisation and physical activities, the cases of heart attack have gone up when it comes to youngsters. The sugar and cholesterol levels were not controlled properly and a majority of people even gained oodles of weight." The fact that many people were under stress during the pandemic, he says, has also contributed to the rise in the number of heart attacks.

Have people experienced these heart attacks after suffering from Covid-19?

People coming with heart attacks post-Covid are less, says Udyavar. "Most of the clotting post-Covid happens in the veins. So, one sees more cases of clots in the legs and pulmonary circulation. However, he doesn't rule out the possibility of heart attacks post-Covid because he points out that clots in arteries can also cause heart attacks and there is a possibility of that after suffering from the virus.

On the other hand, Bhamre says he has seen a majority of people who have experienced heart attacks after Covid-19 infection. He explains, "Some patients have already had pre-existing heart problems and also suffered a heart attack. Most of the recovered Covid patients have encountered heart injury, heart failure, stroke and a heart attack". It is not only these heart related issues but also other symptoms such as chest tightness, breathing difficulties, swelling of the heart, low pumping capacity, heart failure, blood clotting and arrhythmia that have been commonly seen in post-Covid patients.

During the ongoing pandemic, majority of people suffering heart attacks belong to which age group?Udyavar and Bhamre say the majority of patients who have been coming in are in the age group of 30-50 years. "They have suffered heart attacks due to smoking owing to stress, unhealthy lifestyle and even pre-existing heart problems," adds Bhamre.

What are the reasons for people suffering heart attacks?

Udyavar says the most common cause of heart attack is sudden occlusion in the coronary arteries of the heart. "A cholesterol plaque rupture in the artery causes a complete occlusion."

"The common risk factors are smoking, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, improper sleep and diet," he adds.

While these are some of the most common factors, Bhamre says unmanaged diabetes and heavy workouts that put pressure on the heart and a diet loaded with trans fats and a sedentary lifestyle that is too much sitting and a lack of physical activity can cause heart attacks.

Should younger people be worried about suffering a heart attack due to their lifestyle habits especially after Covid-19?

Bhamre believes that youngsters who were severely infected with Covid-19 should definitely take care of their heart. He explains, "They will likely suffer heart issues in the near future. So, follow the precautionary guidelines given by the doctor. Do not take any medication without your doctor's advice."

What are the lifestyle changes that younger people should bring about to avoid heart attacks?

Younger people, says Udyavar, should take care of the risk factors and make certain changes in their lifestyle. "They should try to reduce their blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels, exercise regularly, eat well and have a good night's sleep. Quitting smoking is the major risk factor initiative in young patients." The increase in stress levels means that even mental relaxation in the form of pursuing hobbies, outdoor activities and meditation should be done, according to the expert.

Youngsters will have to take charge of their health after getting infected with Covid, reiterates Bhamre. "They will have to eat a well-balanced diet inclusive of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, legumes and lentils. Avoid processed, junk, canned and oily food. They should go for regular cardiac screening after every six months," he concludes.

Also Read: Mumbai doctors on why gastroenteritis peaks during monsoon

(Disclaimer: This article is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Mid-day Online does not in any way endorse the accuracy, completeness, efficacy or timeliness of any advice or line of treatment mentioned in this article. Readers must always seek the advice of a certified medical practitioner and/or a mental health professional before deciding on or starting any course of treatment.)