Expert Insights: Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Heart Attacks

In light of a troubling surge in heart attack cases among younger individuals, particularly in Karnataka's Hassan district where 18 deaths were reported within a month, health experts are emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications to mitigate risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta Hospital, has outlined several critical health tips aimed at promoting heart health and preventing sudden cardiac events.

The alarming trend of heart attacks in younger populations has prompted investigations by health authorities. Between May 28 and June 29, 2025, there were 18 reported heart attack fatalities, with an additional five deaths occurring in the subsequent days. This has raised significant concerns regarding the overall health and well-being of the community, particularly among young adults.

Dr. Trehan advocates a holistic approach to heart health, encapsulated in three key principles: a judicious diet, regular exercise, and effective stress management. He emphasized the need for individuals to maintain a balanced diet, stating, "Incorporate judicious diet philosophy. There is a proportion you keep away from fat, especially the polysaturated fats as much as you can" (CNN-News18, July 2, 2025). This dietary guidance is critical as obesity and poor nutritional habits are significant risk factors for heart disease.

Exercise is equally paramount, with Dr. Trehan recommending at least 30 minutes of physical activity four times a week. This aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines, which suggest that adults engage in regular physical activity to enhance cardiovascular health and overall well-being (WHO, 2020).

Additionally, Dr. Trehan highlights the role of practices such as yoga and pranayama in reducing stress levels, which is crucial for heart health. He points out, "If you do the three combinations of things judiciously, you should expect to have a much healthier life than you would otherwise if you didn't pay attention" (CNN-News18, July 2, 2025).

Maintaining a healthy body weight is another critical factor in preventing heart disease. Dr. Trehan advises that individuals should keep their weight within 10% of their ideal body weight, as defined by Body Mass Index (BMI) guidelines. Exceeding this range could lead to obesity, which is a well-documented risk factor for cardiovascular disease (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2021).

Dr. Trehan further advocates for advanced medical assessments, such as full genome sequencing, to identify genetic predispositions to heart disease and other conditions. "Today, it is possible in science...to write a health horoscope of an individual," he explains, suggesting that individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes should undergo medical evaluations by the age of 25 (CNN-News18, July 2, 2025).

The implications of these recommendations extend beyond individual health. As the healthcare system grapples with the increasing burden of heart disease, proactive measures to encourage healthier lifestyles could lead to significant reductions in healthcare costs and improved quality of life for individuals (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2023).

In conclusion, addressing the rising incidence of heart attacks among youth requires a multifaceted approach involving diet, physical activity, stress management, and genetic screening. The warning signs are clear, and as Dr. Trehan states, implementing these lifestyle changes is the best preventive strategy available. Continuous public health education and community engagement will be essential in reversing this concerning trend and fostering a healthier future for the younger population.