**Heart Disease on the Rise: Experts Warn 25% of People Below 50 Affected**
*Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)* – Heart disease is increasing at an alarming rate, with about 25 percent of people below 50 years of age being afflicted, according to experts. This concerning trend underscores the urgency of prioritizing heart health, a message reflected in the theme for the 2025 World Heart Day: **“Don’t Miss a Beat.”**
Doctors point to lifestyle choices, poor diet, and excessive use of tobacco and alcohol as the most common factors driving the recent rise in heart attacks. Addressing these elements early can help prevent many avoidable tragedies.
### The “Mool Mantra of 80” for a Healthy Heart
Renowned cardiologist Dr. PC Manoria has introduced the “Mool Mantra of 80,” a set of simple health-related guidelines aimed at promoting heart health. Contrary to what the name may suggest, this is not a spiritual mantra but a practical approach involving the number 80. The guidelines include:
– Maintaining a waist circumference of 80 cm or less
– Keeping diastolic blood pressure at 80 mm Hg or below
– Having LDL cholesterol levels under 80 mg/dL
– Keeping fasting blood sugar below 80 mg/dL
– Engaging in about 80 minutes of exercise daily
– Staying at least 80 meters away from smokers to avoid secondhand smoke
– Smiling 80 times a week to boost mood and heart health
The core idea behind these recommendations is to adopt habits that support a healthy lifestyle—such as mindful eating, avoiding saturated fats, salt, and sugar, managing stress, quitting smoking, ensuring proper sleep, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, and fostering positive relationships and joy.
### “Heart Attack Takes 10 Years to Build Up”
Cardiologist Dr. RK Singh highlights that although a heart attack happens suddenly, it takes around 10 years for the body to reach that critical stage. This extended period provides ample opportunity for people to recognize symptoms and make changes.
He adds, “Life has become fast-paced, but people are mentally active rather than physically, which is contributing to the rise in heart diseases. Around 25 percent of people below 50 years old are suffering from heart disease.”
Major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) include hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets high in salt and fats, and physical inactivity. Many young individuals are already living with hypertension and diabetes due to erratic lifestyles.
With ageing populations and increasing urbanization, vulnerability to CVDs is growing, further straining health systems that are already resource-constrained.
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**Takeaway:** Prioritizing heart health through lifestyle changes and awareness is crucial. Following simple guidelines like the “Mool Mantra of 80” can help reduce risks and improve overall well-being.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/world-heart-day-25-people-under-50s-suffer-from-cardiovascular-illness-says-experts
