Youth in Bihar Facing Rising Cases of Heart Disease, 15-Year-Olds Among Victims

Chirag Gupta

Patna: The number of heart disease cases in Bihar is steadily increasing, with more young people, including 15-year-old boys, being affected. Cardiologists have pointed to an irregular lifestyle, unbalanced diet, stress, and obesity as major factors contributing to the rise. Urban areas are seeing twice as many heart disease cases as rural areas, with studies showing that 10-15% of city residents suffer from heart conditions, compared to 5-7% in villages.

According to Dr. AK Jha, around 18-20% of heart disease patients in recent years are young, a trend that has accelerated in the last five to seven years. Senior cardiologists have also noted that genetic factors, such as low HDL levels, are making Indians more vulnerable to heart disease. Dr. Vipin Kumar explained that while HDL helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream, the lower levels in Indians are contributing to a higher risk of heart conditions.

Dr. SS Chatterjee warned against the dangers of excessive exercise, drug use, and modern lifestyle stress, urging people to adopt healthier habits and avoid trans fats and intoxicants. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking for 150 minutes weekly, was recommended to manage cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.