Why are heart bypass surgeries rising among 30-year-olds, doctors cite alarming reasons

Doctors in Bengaluru are seeing a significant rise in heart bypass surgeries among youths in their 30s, as told to TOI. This trend was once uncommon for this age group but has been increasing due to sedentary lifestyles, stress, and unhealthy eating habits,.

In a TOI report, Dr. Sudarshan GT from Fortis Hospital said, "Bypass surgeries among patients in their early to mid-30s have increased 30% over the past decade. Each year, the number of patients in their 30s undergoing bypass surgeries rises 5%. This is alarming." He noted that heart attacks are becoming more common in younger individuals.

A decade ago, such surgeries were typically for those in their late 60s or 70s. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, there's been a rise in heart attacks and the need for bypass surgeries in younger people, according to Dr. Sudarshan.

Dr. Narendra V from Manipal Hospital emphasized that sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and stress contribute to this trend. "A bypass surgery is necessary when multiple blood vessels are blocked in the heart, often leading to heart attacks," he said. He added that modern lifestyles with high-calorie consumption and inactivity are major factors.

Dr. Abhijit Kulkarni from Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals called the rising heart attack rate in younger individuals concerning. "Heart disease was traditionally seen in people over 50, but now stress, pollution, and poor lifestyles are making young people vulnerable," he said. He pointed out that many delay recognizing symptoms, mistaking them for acidity. He urged for better lifestyle choices, early detection, and public education on heart attack symptoms.

Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy from Kauvery Hospital reported that 25% of heart attacks are now seen in patients under 40. He noted that many young patients are now requiring angioplasty and stenting, with more complex cases leading to bypass surgery.