Produced by: BT Desk Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Renowned actor Vikas Sethi, famous for his roles in hit TV shows, passed away at 48 due to a cardiac arrest. His sudden death highlights a growing issue: heart attacks are becoming alarmingly common among young people.
Vikas Sethi’s tragic passing is part of a disturbing trend. Young Indians, even in their 30s and 40s, are increasingly suffering from heart attacks, often linked to genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors.
Indians are genetically predisposed to heart attacks, even with lower lipid levels compared to Western standards. This genetic factor makes it crucial to monitor cholesterol levels earlier in life.
Experts recommend getting a lipid profile test at 18. This test helps map cholesterol tendencies early, allowing for timely intervention to prevent heart disease later in life.
At 18, LDL cholesterol should not exceed 100 mg/dL. For young people with added risk factors like diabetes or smoking, LDL should be even lower, ideally below 70 mg/dL to prevent future heart events.
If there’s a family history of heart attacks, additional testing for lipoprotein (a) is recommended. Levels above 50 mg/dL signal a higher risk for early heart disease, even if other cholesterol levels seem normal.
If high cholesterol is detected, start with lifestyle modifications: a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight control, and avoiding smoking. These changes can significantly reduce heart attack risks.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, statins can be prescribed. These drugs are proven safe and effective in lowering cholesterol, preventing heart attacks, especially in young people with persistent high levels.
For those with stubborn cholesterol levels, combining statins with drugs like bempedoic acid or ezetimibe can further reduce cholesterol by up to 27%, offering stronger protection against heart disease.