A leading heart surgeon has called for earlier cardiovascular screening after raising concerns about the increasing number of heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrests among young adults.
Dr. Devi Shetty, founder of Narayana Health, says many young people who suffer heart-related emergencies appear healthy and physically fit, yet may have underlying heart conditions that go undetected for years. He believes routine heart screening could help identify those at risk before tragedy strikes.
Growing Concern Over Sudden Cardiac Deaths
Videos of young people collapsing while exercising, playing sports, or carrying out everyday activities have become increasingly common on social media, sparking public concern about heart health in younger populations.
According to Dr. Shetty, these incidents are not necessarily new, but increased awareness and widespread smartphone use have brought greater attention to the issue. He says many cases could potentially be prevented through early detection and regular medical check-ups.
Fitness Does Not Always Mean a Healthy Heart
Health experts warn that looking physically fit does not guarantee a healthy cardiovascular system.
Some people may have inherited heart conditions, high cholesterol, or blocked arteries without experiencing noticeable symptoms. In some cases, the first warning sign can be a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.
Dr. Shetty explained that intense exercise may place additional strain on individuals with undiagnosed heart disease, making pre-exercise screening especially important for those participating in high-intensity sports or gym workouts.
Recommended Heart Tests
To improve early detection, Dr. Shetty recommends that young people undergo basic cardiovascular assessments, particularly before beginning vigorous exercise programs.
These may include:
- Cholesterol (lipid profile) blood test
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
- Additional imaging, such as a CT coronary angiogram, for adults with significant risk factors or on a doctor’s recommendation
He has also advocated for cholesterol screening beginning in late adolescence to help identify inherited cholesterol disorders early.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Cardiologists say the risk of heart disease increases in people who have:
- A family history of early heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking habits
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diets
Even younger adults without symptoms should pay attention to these risk factors and discuss screening with their healthcare provider if they have concerns.
Warning Signs That Should Never Be Ignored
Doctors urge people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden dizziness or fainting
- Unexplained fatigue during exercise
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Prompt medical care can significantly improve survival and reduce complications.
What This Means for Nigeria
Cardiovascular disease is becoming an increasing public health concern in Nigeria as cases of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and other lifestyle-related conditions continue to rise.
Health professionals say regular medical check-ups, healthy eating, exercise, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol remain among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Experts also encourage people with a family history of heart conditions to speak with their doctors about whether earlier screening may be appropriate.
Looking Ahead
Medical specialists agree that prevention remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against heart disease. While not everyone requires extensive testing at a young age, identifying people at higher risk through appropriate screening can help prevent avoidable deaths.
As awareness grows, healthcare providers hope more people will prioritize routine heart health assessments and adopt healthier lifestyles to protect their long-term cardiovascular health.
