Indians get heart attacks 10 years younger than the rest of the world. Here's why.
Community: Child Health
The average age of first heart attack in India is 53. Globally it's 63. This is not genetics alone. It's lifestyle, diet, stress, and missed warning signs. Silent warning signs most Indians ignore: - Unexplained fatigue during routine activity - Mild chest discomfort mistaken for acidity - Shortness of breath climbing one flight of stairs - Jaw or left arm discomfort without chest pain - Ankle swelling by end of day Risk factors specific to Indians: - Higher lipoprotein(a) levels genetically - Central obesity — fat around abdomen even at normal weight - High refined carbohydrate diet raising triglycerides - Chronic psychological stress with zero recovery time Five numbers every Indian above 30 should know: - Blood pressure — below 120/80 mmHg - LDL cholesterol — below 100 mg/dL - Fasti