Heart Attack Epidemic Hits Youth
The heart attack epidemic hits youth in Pakistan. Married men under 40 are increasingly suffering from heart attacks and strokes. This has resulted in a rise in young widows and orphaned children. According to experts, every hour, 47 people die of heart attacks in Pakistan, with 12 to 15 being young individuals under 40. Most of these men are married with children, causing severe economic and social hardships for their families.
Heart Attack Epidemic Hits Youth
Survivors face lifelong challenges. They require medications costing 10,000 to 15,000 rupees per month and live in constant fear of another attack. Hypertension and smoking are leading causes of early heart attacks among Pakistani men. Dr Akram Sultan notes unhealthy lifestyles, high salt intake, poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and smoking contribute to this crisis. He urges people to adopt healthier lifestyles, including reducing salt intake, exercising for 45 minutes daily, and avoiding smoking.
The crisis isn’t limited to heart attacks. Pakistan also faces a rising incidence of strokes. Dr Muhammad Wasay reveals over 400,000 people suffer strokes annually, with 150,000 deaths. Many survivors are left dependent on others due to disability. Dr Wasay emphasizes the importance of prevention. More than half of all strokes can be prevented by controlling high blood pressure. Additionally, 80-90% can be avoided by managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly.
Preventive Measures
Dr Munir Afzal notes that strokes are now occurring in people as young as in their early 40s. The causes and risk factors for strokes are identical to those for heart attacks. Large strokes often result in death, while smaller strokes leave individuals disabled for life. This growing trend contributes to an increase in young widows and orphaned children in society.
Addressing the root causes of cardiovascular diseases and strokes is imperative. Health experts agree on promoting awareness about healthy lifestyles, reducing salt consumption, encouraging physical activity, and managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. As Pakistan struggles with the dual crises of heart attacks and strokes among younger populations, the social and economic toll on families, particularly widows and children, continues to rise. Urgent preventive measures are needed to save lives and protect families from these preventable diseases.
