- Doctors warn over rising heart and respiratory cases among young people
- PM 2.5, lifestyle habits, and negligence increasing cardiac risks
New Delhi, January 29th, 2026: Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide, with a steady rise in cardiac cases. Considering the seriousness of the issue in the coming years, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town is equipping itself with advanced technology to provide high-quality treatment to patients.
Heart disease among young people is becoming a serious concern. Earlier, only 1 in 10 heart attack cases involved people under the age of 40, but this figure has now increased globally to 1 in 5. Excessive gym workouts, sudden collapse during marathons, consumption of overly oily and spicy food, mental stress, and irregular routines are emerging as major causes. In many cases, young individuals ignore symptoms assuming they are safe, which can later prove fatal.
Air pollution, especially PM 2.5, has a severe impact on the heart and blood vessels. Prolonged exposure to polluted air increases inflammation in the body and raises the risk of heart disease at a young age. This risk is now continuously increasing even among youth and adolescents.
At the same time, early identification of conditions like varicose veins is important. Around 30% of people develop varicose veins by the age of 40, and changing lifestyles are contributing to a steady rise in such cases. In recent years, treatment options have significantly improved with modern medical technologies.
Speaking on the issue, Dr. Dhiraj Jhamb, Director and Senior Consultant, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, said, “Cases of heart disease are increasing, but today we have advanced technology and modern surgical options available. At Yatharth Hospital, treatments ranging from angioplasty to open-heart surgery are being performed with full preparedness. With rising heart-related issues among youth, no one should assume this is only an age-related disease. If young individuals experience any cardiac symptoms, they must consult a doctor.”
Dr. Ajay Aggarwal, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, stated that young people often believe they cannot suffer from heart disease, but this mindset is dangerous. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment are extremely important, as the age for heart attacks is rapidly decreasing.
Dr. Ajay added, “We are increasingly seeing heart attacks and critical coronary blockages in patients as young as their late 20s and 30s. Unlike earlier, these cases are not always linked to traditional risk factors alone. Poor dietary habits, high intake of processed and oily foods, lack of sleep, chronic stress, smoking, vaping, and prolonged exposure to air pollution—especially PM 2.5—are accelerating atherosclerosis at a much younger age.”
Cases of respiratory diseases have also seen a continuous rise in the NCR region, particularly among youth and adolescents. Due to pollution, prolonged exposure to PM 2.5, smoking, vaping, and changing lifestyles, symptoms such as asthma, breathlessness, persistent cough, and reduced lung capacity are appearing at a much younger age. Experts say that young people often ignore early symptoms, considering them minor, which can later lead to serious conditions. With timely check-ups, proper guidance, and lifestyle improvements, these diseases can be largely controlled.
According to Dr. Harish Bhatia, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine and Interventional Pulmonologist, respiratory problems are rapidly increasing among today’s younger generation. He explained that rising air pollution, smoking, the growing trend of e-cigarettes, irregular routines, and lack of physical activity are the main reasons. Long-term exposure to poor air quality can lead to asthma, allergies, and serious lung diseases. Dr. Bhatia advised young people to maintain a clean environment, exercise regularly, and adopt a healthy lifestyle, along with periodic health check-ups.
At Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town, comprehensive treatment across the full spectrum of heart diseases is available, including angioplasty, open-heart surgery, and advanced treatments for varicose veins, ensuring timely, safe, and effective care for patients.
