Rising Cardiac Arrest, A Sign For Young India To Focus On Right Approach To Life

Given the gravity of the situation, one would expect society and young people to adopt healthy practices. Unfortunately, a fast-paced lifestyle, digital practices, and blurring personal and professional lives do not lead to a conducive environment for healthy living

New Delhi: Cases of cardiac arrest have seen a spurt in recent times, but the bigger question is the ability to diagnose and prevent such cases. The surge in rising cases of cardiac and non-communicable ailments has perplexed corporate India as well as the larger medical fraternity.

When Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor criticised the hustle culture advocating for a healthier approach to life, many youngsters followed him on social media. But, when it comes to practice, Gen-Z and millennials are more likely to follow odd-health practices than follow preventive measures.

New and rising medical epidemic

Rising non-communicable diseases could be one explanation for these deaths. The World Health Organisation states that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease, as collectively responsible for 74 per cent of deaths globally. These ailments are attributed as the most challenging lifestyle diseases to tackle in the 21st century.

Of the non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have seen a rampant increase -- from 25.7 million cases in 1990 to 64 million in 2023. It’s also a baffling trend because data from the World Heart Federation found India accounts for 15 per cent of all diabetes cases worldwide.

Also, 40-50 per cent of heart-related ailments are of those below the age of 55. Given the gravity of the situation, one would expect society and young people to adopt healthy practices. Unfortunately, a fast-paced lifestyle, digital practices, and blurring personal and professional lives do not lead to a conducive environment for healthy living.

Rising cortisols and burnout syndrome

The constant pressure to excel, and achieve personal and professional goals, succumbing to peer group and societal pressures, and unhealthy eating habits lead to chronic stress and anxiety.