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These days, such cases are constantly coming to light in which heart attack or cardiac arrest happened to a person whose age was less than 40 years. A big reason for this was their lifestyle related problems. It is very important to avoid these.

In today’s digital age, technology has become an important part of our daily lives. The lives of most young people are overdependent on everything from smartphones and tablets to gaming consoles and computers. Of course, there are benefits to this, as technology is the foundation of information and better communication. But there is also no doubt that due to this, people’s lifestyles are changing rapidly. Their sedentary screen time has increased. These changing habits have also given rise to many health problems. These include heart disease. It is being seen that the cases of these diseases are increasing among the youth in India (heart diseases in young adults).

Sedentary lifestyle effect on heart health

As a cardiologist, I see a rise in heart-related cases among young people, many of which are attributed to their sedentary lifestyle. Long screen time, often in the form of watching TV shows, gaming or scrolling through social media for hours, often leads to a lifestyle lacking physical activity.

Due to this, problems like weight gain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol level arise. All these are the main causes of heart diseases. Due to sedentary lifestyle, the body’s ability to control insulin is also affected, which Type 2 diabetes Increases the risk of. And this is also responsible for increasing the risk of heart diseases.

Why are cases of heart disease increasing among teenagers and young adults?

These risk factors were associated with older people/elderly people until some time ago, but now teenagers and young adults are also not spared from them. Due to the increasing use of technology, screen time and by increasing stress It does not only affect physical health. Mental health is also affected due to this.

1 Chronic Stress

Constant exposure to social media, gaming competition, or sometimes work also increases stress, anxiety and even depression. Stress has a direct impact on heart health. Chronic stress leads to increased blood pressure (chronic stress cause high BP) and heart rate, which puts pressure on the heart.

2. Overeating and too much screen time

There is another aspect to this. Sometimes overeating happens due to stress, smoking or alcohol Habits like excessive consumption of alcohol also increase. Which gradually increases cardiovascular problems. There is also a relationship between obesity and heart diseases. In India, in recent times, the problem of obesity is also being seen in children. Which is due to their sedentary lifestyle and wrong eating habits.

3 Not exercising

Obesity in childhood or adolescence is a sign of heart disease later in life. Excessive screen time, lack of exercise, overeating of high-calorie junk food often leads to weight gain. All these are responsible for heart diseases.

Studies have shown that children and teens who spend more than three hours a day on screens are more likely to be overweight or obese. The more time one spends sitting, the fewer calories the body burns. This imbalance is what causes weight gain.

4 Screen time ruins your sleep pattern

Unfortunately, many young people are unaware of its long-term health risks. Technology also causes sleep deprivation, a side effect that we often don’t notice. Many young people work on their phones or laptops late into the night, which affects their sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality and lack of adequate rest also increase the risk of heart disease.

Lack of sleep leads to increased secretion of stress hormones in the body, high blood pressure occurs and inflammation in the body also increases – all of which adversely affect the health of the heart.

Can these problems be avoided (How to control screen time side effects on heart)

1 Encourage active screen time

As a cardiologist, I certainly understand the allure of technology, and I also know that expecting young people to completely ignore screens is a misnomer. Instead, we should encourage them to have ‘active screen time’. This means using technology in a way that also maintains mobility and physical activity.

For example, many fitness apps and video games require players to stand up, move and exercise. These apps actually help change sedentary and long-term habits. Parents play an important role in encouraging such efforts.

2 Take regular breaks from screens

Taking regular breaks from screens, avoiding excessive screen time, and increasing outdoor activities can help protect children from heart disease later in life. Engaging children in physical activities they enjoy – whether it’s cycling, swimming, dancing, or any other sport – lays the right foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

3 Take action

to the youth Heart-Healthy Lifestyle It is important to motivate children to take screen time and this requires a proactive approach. Here are some important tips that can help you avoid the risks associated with excessive screen time:

Limit screen time: Encourage young people to limit non-essential screen time to 1 to 2 hours per day. At the family level, promote activities that avoid screen time, such as outdoor games, hiking, and board games.

Encourage physical activities: Make sure children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Running, swimming, and team sports are good for cardiovascular health.

Promote healthy eating: Eating a balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein is very beneficial. Avoid sugary drinks and junk food, as these increase the risk of obesity and heart diseases.

Ensure quality sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for heart health. Keep your bedroom as technology-free as possible and follow the same bedtime routine every day.

Get regular health check-ups done: Regular check-ups help identify risk factors early, which helps prevent heart disease in the future. Consult your cardiologist so that he can give you personalized advice on heart health.