Coronary Artery Disease at a Young Age

Heart attacks are not only a disease of older age. South Asians, including people of Pakistani origin, tend to develop coronary artery disease earlier than many other populations. Dr. Qureshi has a particular interest in identifying risk early in younger adults and in preventing heart disease before it starts.

Why is heart disease appearing earlier?

According to an American Heart Association scientific statement, people of South Asian ancestry have a higher risk of coronary artery disease, often at a younger age. This is linked to higher rates of diabetes and insulin resistance, abdominal obesity and unfavourable cholesterol patterns, together with lifestyle factors.

Heart Attack in a Young Age: Why It Happens and How to Prevent It? Urdu/Hindi

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Risk factors in young adults

smoking and other tobacco use
high LDL cholesterol, including inherited forms
high lipoprotein(a)
diabetes and pre-diabetes
high blood pressure
excess weight around the waist and physical inactivity
unhealthy diet, poor sleep and chronic stress
a family history of early heart disease

Family history and inherited cholesterol problems

A family history of early heart disease (in a father or brother before 55, or a mother or sister before 65) raises your own risk. Familial hypercholesterolaemia is an inherited condition that causes very high LDL cholesterol from birth. When it is found, close relatives should be tested too, because early treatment is very effective.

Early assessment and prevention

An assessment typically includes your history and family history, blood pressure, a lipid profile (including Lp(a)), blood sugar or HbA1c, and weight and waist measurements, with further tests if you have symptoms. The aim is a clear, personal plan to lower your risk.

Never “too young” for symptoms to matter

Chest pain, pressure or breathlessness with exertion should be taken seriously at any age.

Emergency? Severe chest pain, severe breathlessness or fainting needs immediate care. Call 1122 or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a clinic or online appointment.

Questions patients ask

I am in my thirties and have chest pain. Could it be my heart?

It can be, especially if you have risk factors. Sudden or severe chest pain needs emergency care: call 1122. For chest discomfort that comes on with exertion, see a doctor promptly.

My father had a heart attack at 45. What should I do?

Discuss your family history with a doctor. Checking your cholesterol (including Lp(a)), blood pressure and blood sugar is a good start, and other relatives may need testing too.

References

Volgman AS, et al. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in South Asians in the United States: epidemiology, risk factors, and treatments. A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2018;138:e1–e34. doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000580 (opens in a new tab)
Yusuf S, et al. Effect of potentially modifiable risk factors associated with myocardial infarction in 52 countries (the INTERHEART study). Lancet 2004;364:937–952. doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(04)17018-9 (opens in a new tab)
Visseren FLJ, et al. 2021 ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice. Eur Heart J 2021;42:3227–3337. doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehab484 (opens in a new tab)
Kronenberg F, et al. Lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis: a European Atherosclerosis Society consensus statement. Eur Heart J 2022;43:3925–3946. doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehac361 (opens in a new tab)

This page is general information about the condition or procedure, not personal medical advice. Whether a test or treatment is right for you is decided at your consultation. Medical disclaimer.

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