Bengaluru Man's Heart Stents Raise Concerns Over Hidden Risks

Heart attacks remain a leading cause of mortality globally, with India recording 32,457 deaths from this condition in 2022. This figure marks a notable rise over the previous three years, as reported by the National Institutes of Health.

While heart attacks often appear sudden, regular health screenings and awareness can significantly mitigate risks. On November 15, Dr Jubair Ahmed, a general practitioner specialising in lifestyle and preventive medicine based in Delhi, shared a concerning case on his social media, illustrating the unexpected nature of heart disease.

The case involved a 37-year-old man from Bengaluru, who maintained an active lifestyle by running 5 kilometres each day, refrained from smoking and consuming junk food, and adhered to a balanced routine. Despite these healthy habits, he found himself in need of two heart stents after experiencing chest pressure and heaviness in his left arm. An angiogram revealed two significant arterial blockages.

Dr Ahmed highlighted several overlooked factors that could contribute to such a diagnosis, even among seemingly healthy individuals.

Genetic Risk

One of the most critical aspects is genetic predisposition. Dr Ahmed referred to family medical history as a 'silent killer', explaining that individuals with a familial history of early heart issues can have two to three times the risk, regardless of their fitness level.

Lipoprotein(a)

Dr Ahmed pointed out that lipoprotein(a), a type of cholesterol not routinely tested in standard lipid profiles, poses a significant risk. He noted that high levels of this genetic marker can lead to artery blockage, even when other cholesterol levels appear normal.

Corporate Lifestyle and Stress

The doctor also indicated that physical activity alone does not equate to stress management. Chronic stress can elevate adrenaline levels, blood pressure, and inflammation, contributing to the formation of microplaques in arteries.

Inflammation

According to Dr Ahmed, many physically fit individuals may have underlying inflammation, which accelerates arterial damage. Furthermore, he emphasised that inflammation is seldom measured during routine check-ups, leaving many unaware of this risk.

Sleep Quality

Sleep is another critical factor. Dr Ahmed warned that inadequate sleep, characterised by late nights spent on screens, can lead to metabolic strain, increased cortisol levels, and instability of arterial plaques.

Misconceptions About Fitness

Finally, Dr Ahmed cautioned against the belief that regular running guarantees cardiovascular health. He stressed that heart disease results from a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, inflammation, stress, sleep quality, and lipoprotein levels.

Recommended Tests for Adults Over 25

Dr Ahmed recommended several tests for individuals over the age of 25 to better assess heart health:

• Lipoprotein(a)
• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)
• Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
• Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)
• Fasting insulin levels
• Vitamin D levels
• Homocysteine levels
• Treadmill test (if symptomatic)
• Coronary calcium score (for those above 35 years)

This information serves as a reminder of the complexity of heart health and the necessity for comprehensive medical evaluations. As always, consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice regarding any medical concerns.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. The Hindustan Times has not independently verified the claims made in this report and does not endorse them.