Thiruvananthapuram: A study shows that the risks of heart diseases are increasing at an alarming rate among people under the age group of 30, due to increased smoking, alcohol intake, obesity and various other lifestyle issues.
The research was conducted by Sri Chithra Institute at Thiruvananthapuram with the help of data from 1978 till 2017 of 159 patients who underwent angiogram on suspicions of underlying heart diseases.
92% of them are men and the youngest is a 15-year-old boy.
Study reports show that 64% of those under the age of 30 are avid smokers and 88% have high blood cholesterol levels.
While increased alcohol consumption was found in 21% of the group, 4% were diabetic. 82% of the study sample was found to be prone to severe cardiac diseases.
The study displays that after angiogram results showing potential heart risks, 34% and 17% of patients continued their smoking habit and alcohol consumption, respectively.
A majority lacked exercise and 70% did not include fruits and vegetables in their diet. 41% of the group under study did not take their medicines regularly.
5, 10, 15 and 20 years later, the percentage of people who overcame the risks of heart diseases was 84, 70, 58 and 52 correspondingly.
Of those under 30 prone to various heart-related complexities, 30% die in 10 years and 48% in 20 years. The prime reason being the lack of timely treatment, says the report.
(This report is translated By Rinu Razak)