Heart attacks are increasingly affecting young, seemingly healthy adults, a concerning trend highlighted by a Mumbai cardiologist, Dr. Pratik Giri. He explains that factors like sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, stress, smoking, and genetic predispositions significantly contribute to this rise. Many young individuals may appear fit but harbor undetected cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), where plaque gradually builds up in arteries without noticeable symptoms until blockages become severe. An AIIMS-ICMR study, published in 2025, further supports this, revealing that sudden deaths among young Indians aged 18-45 are largely due to undiagnosed heart disease. The article emphasizes that warning signs in young adults are often subtle and can be easily mistaken for other issues like acidity, anxiety, indigestion, or general fatigue, leading to delayed medical attention and worse outcomes. Recognizing symptoms such as discomfort in the chest, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, and cold sweats is crucial. This phenomenon is not unique to India but a global concern, with various studies indicating a worldwide increase in heart attacks among younger populations. A significant international study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2025, involving over 9 million adults, found that 99% of heart attacks, strokes, and major cardiovascular events are linked to just four modifiable risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, and tobacco use, with hypertension being the most prevalent. Therefore, early detection through regular health check-ups and proactive lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, physical activity, and stress management, are critical steps for prevention.