Impact of Self-Medication and Steroid Use on Myocardial Infarction Risks

In a recent interview with Deccan Chronicle, Dr. Narendra Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer at Kshemavana in Bengaluru, highlighted a growing health crisis among youth regarding myocardial infarctions, or heart attacks, and attributed this alarming trend to self-medication practices, extended steroid use, and unhealthy dietary habits.

Myocardial infarctions, traditionally associated with older age groups primarily due to coronary artery disease, are increasingly being diagnosed in younger populations. Dr. Shetty pointed out that these occurrences are often accompanied by comorbidities such as early-onset diabetes and hypertension, exacerbated by unmanaged stress and poor lifestyle choices. He stated, "Drug abuse, self-medication, and prolonged use of nutraceuticals without medical supervision are contributing factors to this rising incidence of heart attacks among youth."

The role of lifestyle in heart disease cannot be overstated. A 2021 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology by Dr. Emily Chen, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University, found that inappropriate use of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids, increases cardiovascular risks significantly. This is corroborated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which warns that steroid misuse can lead to serious heart problems, including myocardial infarction (CDC, 2022).

In addition, Dr. Shetty addressed the potential impact of stress on heart health, noting that stress management is crucial for preventing heart disease. He recommends practices such as deep breathing, progressive muscular relaxation, and consistent yoga sessions to help mitigate stress-induced health risks. Stress not only affects mental well-being but has profound implications for cardiovascular health, as shown by the American Heart Association's 2020 report, which linked chronic stress to increased heart disease (AHA, 2020).

Dietary choices also play a vital role in heart health. Dr. Shetty emphasized the importance of nutrition, stating that processed foods high in sugars and artificial additives contribute to atherosclerosis and overall heart disease. He advocates for a natural diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables while minimizing processed foods. According to a 2023 study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, diets high in refined sugars and low in whole foods are directly associated with increased cardiovascular risk (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2023).

Despite these concerns, Dr. Shetty warned against oversimplifying the causes of increased heart attack rates, particularly attributing them solely to the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that while COVID-19 may exacerbate existing health conditions, it is not the sole cause of rising heart disease rates among young individuals. It is essential to consider the combined effects of lifestyle, dietary habits, and underlying health issues.

The implications of these findings are significant. With heart disease becoming increasingly prevalent among younger populations, there is a pressing need for public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition education and stress management programs.

In conclusion, the rising incidence of myocardial infarction among youth necessitates a multi-faceted approach that includes better education on the dangers of self-medication and steroid use, lifestyle changes, and comprehensive health screenings starting at younger ages. Dr. Shetty's recommendations align with the holistic approaches endorsed by programs like Dr. Dean Ornish's, which emphasize lifestyle modifications as a means to reverse coronary artery disease. As the health landscape continues to evolve, addressing these challenges will be crucial for safeguarding the well-being of future generations.