Author: Dr. Jecco Ani Babu, Consultant - Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery

How Can We Prevent It?

The other day, a deeply unsettling report caught my attention — the alarming rise of heart attacks among young adults. It wasn’t just another statistic on a screen. At the hospital where I work, at least two men under the age of 40 undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery every week. That reality hit me hard.

Once considered a disease of the elderly, heart attacks are now silently striking younger men, many of whom appear outwardly healthy and energetic. This sudden collapse into critical illness is shocking — and it’s not a problem confined to our state. Around the world, the number of young people dying from heart attacks is steadily increasing, underlining the urgent need for awareness and preventive care.

At Caritas Hospital — a leading Critical Care Hospital in Kottayam — we see firsthand how important timely intervention is. Women often enjoy natural protection against heart disease until menopause, but for young men, risks are climbing rapidly. Sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, obesity, diabetes, unmanaged stress, delayed or irregular health checkups, genetic predisposition, lingering effects of COVID-19, and the tendency to ignore warning signs all combine to create the perfect storm.

Why Gym-Goers, Especially Young Men, Face Hidden Risks?

Exercise is vital for health, but certain patterns can trigger heart risks when precautions are ignored. Some key concerns include:

1. Sudden, Intense Workouts
   

   High-intensity workouts cause a rapid spike in blood pressure and heart rate. For those with hidden heart issues — like coronary blockages or structural abnormalities — this stress can lead to plaque rupture or even fatal arrhythmias. The risk is higher for beginners who push themselves too hard without gradually building endurance.

2. Undiagnosed Heart Conditions
   

   Genetic heart diseases like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) — where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick — often go unnoticed. Strenuous exercise can worsen these conditions, even in people who appear fit. Regular screening, including echocardiography, is especially recommended for frequent or competitive gym-goers.

3. Electrolyte Imbalances & Dehydration

   Heavy workouts cause significant sweating, leading to the loss of potassium, magnesium, and sodium — minerals crucial for maintaining normal heart rhythm. When imbalances occur, the risk of dangerous arrhythmias rises sharply.

4. Performance Enhancers, Supplements, and Steroids
   

   In the pursuit of muscle gains, some young men misuse anabolic steroids, pre-workout stimulants, or energy drinks loaded with caffeine. These substances can:

   • Increase bad cholesterol (LDL)
   • Thicken heart muscles abnormally
   • Raise blood pressure and heart rate
   • Promote blood clot formation

   The consequences are devastating — from life-threatening arrhythmias to heart attacks and sudden cardiac death.