Heart attacks in young adults: What to do if you have a family history of heart diseases?

Youngsters who are in their thirties and forties collapsing to death at the gym or while exercising have become common. Such news makes people wonder whether exercising regularly is bad for the heart. Exercising regularly is great for maintaining heart health; however, nothing is good if you overdo it. Lack of sleep, severe stress and unhealthy eating habits could lead to heart attacks in youngsters even if they go to the gym and workout regularly. Many people rely on protein supplements for muscle development without knowing that most of these supplements are unhealthy.

The risk of heart ailments may be missed in your regular health checkup. Heart attacks could happen due to sudden plaque formation in the arteries. Compared to women, men are more prone to heart attacks and heart-related ailments. Oestrogen hormone in women protects the heart by reducing inflammation. However, the risk of heart attacks increases in women when the oestrogen levels drop after menopause. Besides, unhealthy lifestyles, lack of sleep, lethargy, diabetes and smoking could lead to heart attacks in women.

When should you see the doctor?
Family history plays a pivotal role, especially in case a close relative has been diagnosed with heart ailments at a young age. Youngsters between 35 and 40 years with a family history of heart disease should do checkups at least twice a year.
Can patients with heart diseases workout at gym?
Those who have had heart attacks or undergone heart surgery can work out at the gym only with expert medical advice. The heart experts can recommend the duration and intensity of the exercise. Moreover, people with heart diseases should only train under an ACLS / BCLS qualified trainer who is knowledgeable in the kinds of exercises that are suitable for such patients.
Intensity
It is important to listen to your body while working out. Do not hesitate to stop exercising and rest if you feel tired. You should begin exercises only after the warmups and end sessions with a cool-down.