Dr. Olulola Oladapo, the head of the cardiology unit at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, discusses the alarming trend of younger people experiencing heart attacks in an interview with Sade Oguntola.

What is a heart attack?

The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, starting from 21 days of age in the womb and continuing throughout life. The coronary vessels supply the heart with the blood it needs to function. As people age, fatty streaks and plaque deposits build up in these vessels, making them narrower and stiffer. This can lead to conditions like angina and, in severe cases, a heart attack.

Are there more cases of heart attacks among younger individuals in Nigeria?

Yes, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of heart attacks occurring in people in their 30s to 50s, who are typically the primary earners for their families. This is a significant shift from when heart attacks typically occurred in older individuals.

When did this increase in heart attacks in younger individuals become apparent?

This trend has been observed for over a decade now, with the frequency of these cases continuing to rise. It is crucial to raise awareness and promote preventive measures to reduce the impact of heart disease on individuals and society.

How has the number of cases changed over the years, and do more men or women experience heart attacks?

The number of heart attack cases has significantly increased in recent years, with the gender disparity decreasing as men and women are both affected. Women, in particular, may experience different symptoms that were previously overlooked, leading to a better understanding of heart attacks in females.

What factors contribute to the rising rate of heart attacks among younger individuals?

The increase in heart attacks among younger individuals is part of a global shift towards non-communicable diseases, driven by changes in lifestyle and urbanization. Sedentary lifestyles, urban living, and environmental challenges all play a role in the rising incidence of heart attacks in younger populations.

What’s the cause of Heart attack?

Risk factors that can contribute to the development of heart attacks include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, obesity, being male, getting older, and having a family history of sudden death at a young age.

Additional factors that may increase the risk of heart attacks include a lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, using drugs like cocaine, exposure to air pollution, high stress levels, and sleep disorders. Air pollution sources can include factory emissions, vehicle exhaust, generators, and cooking with fossil fuels, which is why initiatives supporting green energy and smoke-free environments are encouraged.

It is a commonly held belief that stress can be a trigger for a heart attack. Is this statement accurate?

Indeed, stress is a ubiquitous phenomenon that affects us all, and it appears to be on the rise among Nigerians. Various forms of stress, such as economic, psychological, and emotional stress, lead to the release of hormones into the bloodstream, exacerbating the deterioration of blood vessels and potentially causing irregular heartbeats.

Hence, effective stress management is crucial. In the past, our ancestors lived in close-knit communities, allowing them to manage their expectations and maintain a realistic outlook on life. Contrastingly, modern individuals, especially young men, constantly struggle to juggle multiple responsibilities without taking adequate breaks or reflecting on their lifestyle choices.

This perpetual state of tension can have deleterious effects on the heart. Additionally, there is a phenomenon known as broken heart syndrome, typically observed in women, where intense emotional stress following a betrayal can trigger a heart attack.

Are there available blood tests that can assess an individual’s risk of experiencing a heart attack?

Yes, there are. It is recommended to initiate regular medical checkups from an early age to identify and address potential risk factors before they lead to severe health issues. Monitoring key indicators such as body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, urine analysis, and kidney function can provide valuable insights into one’s cardiovascular health.

Unfortunately, many individuals neglect routine health screenings, only seeking medical attention when faced with catastrophic events like strokes or heart attacks. It is crucial to stay informed about your health metrics and take proactive measures to mitigate risk factors.

How can someone recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and what should they do in such a situation?

Symptoms of a heart attack typically include sudden and severe chest pain, often radiating to the arm, shoulder, jaw, or back, accompanied by breathlessness, sweating, nausea, and a sense of impending doom. Prior to a heart attack, individuals may experience recurring chest pain triggered by varying levels of physical activity.

Anyone experiencing such symptoms, especially if they have a history of angina, should seek immediate medical attention to prevent a full-blown myocardial infarction (MI).

Recognizing that heart attack symptoms may present differently in women, older adults, and diabetics, it is essential to act swiftly in response to any unusual signs, as time is crucial in preserving heart muscle function.

Is there a diagnostic test to confirm if a patient has had a heart attack?

Yes, diagnostic tests such as serial electrocardiograms (ECGs) and cardiac enzyme measurements are typically conducted in the emergency room to diagnose or rule out a heart attack.

Once a heart attack is confirmed, the treatment goal is to restore blood flow to the heart by administering medications or performing interventions in a cardiac catheterization lab. Timely intervention within the first few hours of an MI significantly improves the patient’s chances of recovery, highlighting the importance of rapid access to emergency medical care.

Enhancing awareness, facilitating prompt treatment, and improving prehospital emergency services are crucial in enhancing the survival rates of individuals experiencing heart attacks. The current situation where patients have delayed access to care often results in extensive heart damage and poorer outcomes.

After the patient has received treatment in the acute phase, they will need to continue with a treatment plan that focuses on managing their controllable risk factors and starting cardiac rehabilitation.

Embracing a healthy lifestyle includes developing a plan to quit smoking, managing weight, and following a nutritious diet that incorporates 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, limited saturated fat intake, reduced salt consumption, and increased physical activity.

Engaging in over 30 minutes of brisk walking daily, obtaining 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and adhering to medical recommendations can help prevent heart issues in family members as well as aid in the recovery of heart attack survivors.

Q: Can you explain the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest?

A heart attack occurs when the muscle cells of the heart die due to a gradual or sudden blockage in the blood supply to the heart, which is essential for its pumping function. On the other hand, the heart’s muscular contractions are driven by electrical cells surrounding it.

Malfunction of these electrical cells can lead to life-threatening irregular heart rhythms, causing palpitations, fibrillation, and ultimately cardiac arrest. Without immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the person may not survive.

Therefore, while heart attacks are a result of blocked blood vessels, cardiac arrest is precipitated by abnormal electrical activity in the heart, with one being able to lead to the other.