Unhealthy diet, inactivity put youngsters at risk of heart ailments: experts

Health experts have sounded the alarm over a sharp increase in heart ailments among young people in Pakistan, warning that poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and rising stress levels are pushing the youth toward life-threatening cardiovascular diseases.

Speaking at a health awareness session organized by the University of Karachi in collaboration with the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), cardiologists noted that heart attacks, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity — once largely confined to older adults — are now rapidly spreading among people in their 20s and 30s.

NICVD Executive Director rof Dr Tahir Saghir said the country's growing dependence on medication instead of prevention is deeply concerning. "We cannot fight heart disease by relying only on hospitals and medicines. The real cure lies in changing how we live — eating better, staying active, and reducing stress," he said.

Dr Saghir lamented that modern lifestyles have distanced people from nature and physical movement. "People avoid walking even for short distances, while fast food and processed meals have replaced home-cooked nutrition," he observed.

Dr Khawar Kazmi, Head of Preventive Cardiology at NICVD, said the surge in heart attacks among youth is directly linked to diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, lack of sleep, and the widespread consumption of junk food. "Without regular exercise, balanced diets, and mental well-being, prevention is impossible," he stressed.

He added that Pakistan's healthcare culture focuses on treatment after diagnosis rather than prevention through regular checkups. "Early screening of blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels can save countless lives," he said. NICVD nutrition expert Sidra Raza cautioned against fad diets and meal skipping, calling instead for balanced, portion-controlled eating.

KU Vice Chancellor rof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi said heart disease prevention must start with awareness. "We are a nation that reacts after disaster instead of acting before it. The time has come to prioritize precaution," he remarked. He urged people to avoid self-diagnosis and seek professional advice instead of turning to "Dr Google."

The session was part of the "Fantastic-4" campaign held at KU's Chinese Teacher Memorial Auditorium. Earlier, Dr Akmal Waheed of KU Medical Centre briefed participants on a four-day health screening drive conducted for students and staff.