Why Heart Attacks Are Rising in Young Adults and How Employee Wellness Can Help

The number of young adults having heart attacks is growing faster than ever. This change is shocking and raises many questions. Why are so many young adults facing heart health problems today? With more young people ending up in emergency rooms, it’s clear that understanding why is more urgent than ever. Workplace wellness programs might hold the key to reversing this trend, but only if we understand the root causes. And what can workplaces do to help? Understanding these issues can save lives and improve overall health.

The rising incidence of heart attacks in young adults

Shocking stats, trends & real‑world cases

• 1 in 5 heart attack patients in India are under the age of 40.
  
  
• Heart attacks in adults under 45 have increased by 30% over the past decade.
  
  
• Harsh Macwan (IIM‑Ahmedabad alumnus, Forbes 30 Under 30) At age of 30, he suffered a near-cardiac event due to extreme stress. Hospitalized and recovering, he cautions: “No ambition is worth your life. Walk, sleep, your heart isn’t a machine.” His story went viral and sparked debate over work-life balance
  
  
• Shefali Jariwala (Bollywood actress, 42) Passed away from sudden cardiac arrest on June 27, 2025. Her death shocked many, as she appeared fit and active. It reminded everyone that heart issues can strike even those who seem healthy.

Why are young people at higher risk?

Several lifestyle and work-related factors are putting younger adults at greater risk of heart disease:

1. Poor Diet and Lack of Exercise

Skipping meals, relying on fast food, and limited physical activity are daily norms for many. Easy access to processed snacks and sugary drinks. Irregular meals and lack of nutritious options at the workplace. 

2. Sedentary Lifestyles at Work

Long hours at desks and back-to-back virtual meetings mean reduced physical movement. Sitting for 8+ hours daily increases the risk of heart disease by over 20%. High-stress jobs, tight deadlines, job insecurity and mental health issues increase cortisol levels and lead to chronic inflammation, a key trigger for heart problems. 

3. Unhealthy Habits

Smoking, alcohol consumption and vaping use have become more common among young professionals, further increasing heart disease risk.‍

4. Inconsistent Sleep Patterns

Late-night work, screen exposure, and stress lead to irregular sleep cycles. Lack of sleep affects the body’s natural healing process and increases inflammation, which can harm your heart.

5. Delayed Medical Check-Ups

Many young adults skip routine health checkups, either due to busy schedules or the belief that they’re “too young” to worry about heart health. This delays the diagnosis of high cholesterol, hypertension, or early-stage heart issues.‍

6. Obesity and Diabetes

Rising rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes among young adults are directly contributing to early heart disease. Both conditions significantly increase the risk of heart disease and often go undiagnosed in early stages.

Common warning signs of heart problems young adults shouldn’t ignore

Early signs of heart problems in young adults are often mild and easy to ignore especially when you're busy with work and everyday stress. But recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent serious issues later:

• Persistent chest discomfort, pressure, or tightness 
• Unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath, even when resting
• Irregular or fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• Nausea, sweating, or cold sweats
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, or jaw

Important: These symptoms don’t always appear together. If you notice even one of them frequently, consult a doctor. A routine health checkup can help catch heart problems early, before they become serious. Early detection can prevent serious heart issues.

Startups and MNCs in India are now including annual heart screenings as part of their employee benefits package.

What is the best heart rest to check?

If you're at risk or noticing symptoms, these are the most common and effective heart tests to check your heart health:

Key tests include:

• ECG (Electrocardiogram):
  Measures your heart’s electrical activity and rhythm. It’s usually the first test done to spot irregular heartbeats or early signs of heart disease.
• Blood Tests:
  Help check your cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and inflammatory markers that signal heart disease risk.
• Echocardiogram:
  An ultrasound scan that shows how well your heart chambers and valves are working. It helps detect structural issues and heart muscle function.
• Coronary Calcium Scan (CT):
  A special type of CT scan that detects plaque buildup in your arteries, a strong early indicator of future heart disease.
• TMT (Treadmill Test or Stress Test):
  Assess how your heart performs during physical activity. It’s useful for identifying narrowed or blocked arteries.

Employers can support early detection by offering annual health screenings, blood pressure monitoring, and wellness check-up packages as part of their employee wellness programs.

How employee wellness can make a difference?

A well-designed employee wellness program can play a key role in reversing these risks and building a healthier workforce.

Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Offer nutrition programs and educate employees about heart-healthy eating.
• Introduce healthy meals and snacks in office cafeterias.
• Encourage regular movement through stretch breaks, standing desks, walking meetings, or fitness challenges like stepathons.

Stress Management Programs

• Run workshops on mindfulness, yoga & zumba into employee benefits.
• Provide access to mental health support via counseling or helplines.

Screening and Early Detection

• Organize on-site health checkups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI.
• Offer personalized health coaching and wellness tracking apps.
• Partner with health tech providers like pazcare for seamless preventive care.

Actionable Steps for Employees

• Schedule regular health checkups with your doctor.
• Switch to a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Make time for physical activity every day.
• Practice stress reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
• Leverage wellness offerings by your employer, don’t skip those health checks.

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Conclusion

Heart attacks among young adults, especially working professionals, are rising at a worrying pace. The causes are deeply tied to modern work culture like stress, poor lifestyle choices, and inactivity. It’s time to act now because preventing a heart attack is better than treating one. By investing in employee wellness programs, companies can prevent health risks, boost morale, and build a truly thriving workforce. For young adults, awareness and small lifestyle changes today can mean a healthier heart tomorrow.

Pazcare’s Role in Preventing Lifestyle Illnesses

At Pazcare, we understand that lifestyle-related illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension are on the rise.

We help employers tackle lifestyle diseases early with:

• Annual health checkups & screenings
• OPD coverage & Wellness add-ons 
• App-based access to doctors, reports & claims

Protect your team from lifestyle health risks.Talk to Pazcare today