Genetics linked to rising heart attacks among Indian youth:300-year-old famine impact persists; ghee and oil not solely to blame

Apollo Hospitals Group founder and chairman Dr Prathap C. Reddy has raised concerns over the growing number of heart attack cases among young people. He said South Asians may have a higher risk of suffering a heart attack at a younger age compared with other people. According to Dr Reddy, the reason could be genetic. He said a famine that occurred in India around 300 years ago may have affected the bodies of later generations. This could be one of the reasons why South Asians have a higher risk of suffering heart attacks at a younger age. Dr Reddy said that when he started working in India, he continued to see many young people with heart-related problems. He said the issue received significant attention after three Indian doctors died in a duty room in 1991. At that time, a lack of physical activity and foods such as ghee and coconut oil were considered possible reasons for heart attacks among young people. Later research suggested that the risk of early heart attacks among South Asians may also be linked to their genes and genetic make-up. Young people need to stay alert Dr Reddy said young people should not ignore the risk of heart attacks. Regular health check-ups, a healthy diet, daily physical activity and monitoring their health as advised by a doctor are important. Changes seen in the body before a heart attack A heart attack does not always happen suddenly. Small changes can start appearing in the body years before it occurs. Recognising these signs early and seeking medical advice can help reduce the risk of a serious heart problem. Studies suggest that these warning signs can appear as early as 10–12 years beforehand. However, most people mistake them for tiredness or normal age-related changes. Here are 12 signs that could indicate a heart problem.