Sedentary lifestyle, stressful work conditions and compromised diet are the leading factors precipitating heart disease risk for the workforce in the age group of 30-44 years in the country, a study has revealed.
The Saffola Life Study 2013, conducted by Marico rpt Marico Industries across 12 cities and covering more than 1.86 lakh people in the 30-100 age group, revealed a shockingly large difference between the heart age and the chronological age beginning at 30 years with a noticeable peak observed in the 40s.
This means that "Young India's" heart is ageing much faster.
The study on risk factors causing heart disease revealed that 73 per cent males in the age group 30-34 years and 76 per cent in the 35-39 age group faced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
In the age group of 40-44 years, 85 per cent males were at risk.
Around 60 per cent of females in their 30s and 40s are shown to be at high risk.
"Sedentary lifestyle, stressful work conditions and compromised diet are leading factors in precipitating heart disease risk. This has affected the heart health of the young work force in the 30-44 age group," said Dr Akshay Mehta, Senior Cardiologist at Asian Heart Hospital.
Lifestyle factors have also contributed to an increase in CVD risk, including increased consumption of fried and processed foods.
Among people who consume processed foods, 61 per cent belong to the 30-44 age group while among those who consume fried foods, 63 per cent belong to the 30-44 age group.
Supporting the findings, Niti Desai, independent health, wellness and fitness professional, said, "Diet has undergone major changes depending on convenience. Preference for processed and preserved foods and fried foods has gone up noticeably. High dependence on the same and a menu devoid of vegetables, fruits and whole grains will only make people more vulnerable to CVD.
