India is strongly supported by its youth and has the largest youth population in the world. Of the population of over 808 million people, approximately 66% are below the age of 35 and nearly 40% are between the ages of 13 to 35 ^[1].  Unfortunately, in recent years, the incidence of myocardial infarctions has increased in the young population in India.

According to a report by the World Health Organization , India is responsible for one-fifth of global cardiovascular disease -related deaths in the world. In addition, the Indian youth is more vulnerable to heart disease compared to their peers worldwide. Research shows that Indians are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease over a decade earlier than their western counterparts ^[2]. This shift in the age distribution of heart attacks is a perplexing phenomenon, since heart disease is traditionally associated with the elderly. Several factors contribute to this change, including rising obesity rates, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, tobacco consumption, stress from urbanization and sedentary lifestyles. Moreover, genetic predisposition is also a factor, as South Asians are at a higher risk for myocardial infarction and related heart diseases ^[3].

Medical students, with their unique knowledge and close ties to their communities, can act as catalysts for positive change. They can use their skills and technical knowledge by organizing community-level health camps in urban areas. These camps, held at schools, colleges or community centers, can provide education to the younger populations about the various risk factors and early warning signs of cardiovascular disease. Medical students can also conduct physical exams to screen for factors contributing to cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension. They could counsel on adopting gradual, healthy lifestyle changes such as exercising for at least 30 minutes a day ^[4] and maintaining a balanced diet. These educational efforts could ultimately reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of cardiovascular disease.

Collaborating with various non governmental organizations, medical students can expand the outreach of their initiatives by leveraging technology to set websites, blogs and internet communities to disseminate relevant information about cardiovascular health and debunk myths. The sharing of success stories and motivational content may inspire people to make positive changes in their lives, fostering a sense of camaraderie among citizens from all of India.

By collaborating on research projects, medical students could gather evidence on the increased predisposition of Indian youth to cardiovascular disease. Compiling and reporting this data to government bodies such as the National Medical Commission and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will help advocate for targeted national health programs aimed at addressing cardiovascular disease among the Indian youth.

A country without a healthy youth risks stagnation in the global race for development. Medical students must take the lead in organizing advocacy campaigns against the rising incidence of cardiovascular disease among the youth, ensuring that the future leaders and policymakers of the country remain healthy and full of vigor, driving positive change for India.

References:

1. Decent Work for Youth in India. www.ilo.org. Published April 17, 2012.
   https://www.ilo.org/newdelhi/info/WCMS_175936/lang--en/index.htm#:~:text=India%2%200has%20the%20largest%20youth
2. Sreeniwas Kumar A, Sinha N. Cardiovascular disease in India: A 360 degree overview. Medical Journal, Armed Forces India. 2020;76(1):1-3.
   doi: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377123719301339?via%3Dihub
3. Palaniappan L, Garg A, Enas E, et al. South Asian Cardiovascular Disease & Cancer Risk: Genetics & Pathophysiology. Journal of Community Health. 2018;43(6):1100-1114. doi: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10900-018-0527-8
4. Tian D, Meng J. Exercise for Prevention and Relief of Cardiovascular Disease: Prognoses, Mechanisms, and Approaches. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2019;2019:1-11. doi: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2019/3756750/

This article was authored by Krish Keswani, MBBS, a third-year medical student at GMERS Medical College, Gotri, in Vadodara, Gujarat, India.