For many in their 20s and 30s, life is about chasing dreams. But a sudden heart attack can upend everything. People who had to rethink ambitions, routines, and lifestyles. Yoga, diet, and mindfulness help but the fear never fully goes away.
“Health is wealth — but you only realize it when you lose it.”
LOSING KILOS/POUNDS AND BAD HABITS:
In 2020, Faridabad business Honey Kohli felt chest pain one evening but dismissed it as gastric trouble. A local clinic’s ECG showed nothing alarming. The next morning, after a cigarette, the pain returned sharply. At the hospital, angiography confirmed a blockage, and a stent was placed. “I was shocked — at 33, I never imagined a heart attack.” The diagnosis left him depressed but determined. He quit smoking, cut down on alcohol, took up yoga, lost weight, and now goes for regular check-ups every three months. “First, I’m doing it for myself, I want to enjoy life, and that’s only possible if I stay disciplined.”
His family enforces the routine — medicines on time, evenings at home, no stress.
JUNKING THE JUNK FOOD:
An assistant supervisor of AIIMS’ electricity department, Neeraj Kumar ignored earlier chest pains, blaming them on smoking, drinking, and junk food. On Feb 20th this year, after returning from Mussoorie, he work at 4.30 am with crushing chest pain, vomiting, and numbness in his hand. He collapsed, and tests confirmed a blockage.
“It happened because of my bad habits, but my family also suffered for it.” The incident forced an overnight transformation — he quit alcohol and cigarettes, switched to home-cooked food, and walks daily.
Fear of another attack keeps him cautious. “I don’t take stress anymore. I live with the thought of what would happen to my family if I don’t.”
NO HURRY OR WORRY:
On New Year’s morning in 2018, sales executive Anil Kudal woke up with arm pain, assuming it was a muscle pull. Within minutes, it spread to his chest and he collapsed. Rushed to Asian Hospital, he survived — but life changed for ever. “Earlier, I used to move freely, run, do whatever I wanted. Now, every activity has to be done carefully.” Long hours, sales targets, and outside food had already left him hypertensive and vitamin B-12 deficient. After the attack, he follows doctor’s advice. “No hurry, no worry, no curry.” Still, he feels society treats him differently.” Just one episode and people start treating you as disabled.”
CHOOSING HEALTH OVER HUSTLE:
Late July, marketing executive Avi Sharma mistook chest pain at work for acidity and tried coconut water. When the pain spread to his left hand, he rushed to Aakash Hospital, where an ECG confirmed a heart attack. Moments later, he fainted.
Through doctors declared his heart stable after treatment, he is now extra careful. “Earlier I woke up at 10 am, now I get up at 6 am. Have my medicines, go for a walk and then eat breakfast. Life is bound by routine.”
The fear forced him to resign. “I don’t want to stress anymore. I’ll work on my own terms, close to family.” Health now dictates his every choice.
WARNING SIGNS:
- Persistent chest pain or pressure (especially radiating to arm, back, neck, or jaw).
- Shortness of breath.
- Sudden sweating, nausea or vomiting.
- Unexplained fatigue or dizziness.
- Numbness or tingling in arm/hand.
MAJOR RISK FACTORS:
- Smoking and alcohol.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Obesity and poor diet.
- Uncontrolled diabetes and high cholesterol.
- High blood pressure.
- Family history of heart disease.
PREVENTIVE STEPS:
- Quit smoking and alcohol.
- Exercise regularly (brisk walk, yoga, light cardio)
- Eat heart-healthy meals (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, less oil)
- Manage stress.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Go for regular check-ups – BP, cholesterol, sugar, ECG if symptomatic.
- Know your family history and act early if risk is high.
