The care of heart health is not exclusive to the elderly. Data from the Ministry of Health show that cardiovascular diseases still occupy the top of the causes of death in Brazil. However, now, with an aggravation: the number of people between 18 and 50 years affected by these conditions has been growing significantly.

According to Dr. Alexandre Siciliano, heart surgeon at São Lucas Copacabana Hospital (Americas Network), cases of hypertension and coronary artery disease (DAC) are being diagnosed more often in this age group.

Next, see four myths and truths about the emergence of cardiovascular disease in youth!

1. Younger people have no symptoms of heart disease

Mito. A cardiovascular disease has several striking symptoms besides chest pain, and this also occurs in young people. Acute myocardial infarction, for example, is characterized by shortness of breath, dizziness that do not pass, burning in the stomach and excessive sweat, regardless of age. In women, their signs can be more subtle, such as jaw, neck and costasbesides the feeling of discomfort in the stomach.

“Signs in younger people may not be so evident, but they exist and should be recognized. Not being able to keep up with other people’s walking rhythm or tired easily, and often sick, with recurring dizziness and even fainting episodes, they may indicate that the heart is not well,” says Dr. Alexandre Siciliano.

2. Unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyle contribute to heart problems

True. In recent decades, consumption in a large amount of fast-foodsultra -processed, sugary and high sodium foods, such as sodas, stuffed cookies, nuggets And sausages, it has contributed to the increase of fat plaques that bind to the walls of the veins and arteries, forming the well -known atherosclerosis. This accumulation makes blood flow difficult, causing the elevation of blood pressure and favoring the development of conditions such as chronic arterial disease (DAC).

Allied to this, many young people follow a sedentary routine, with little or no physical activity, favoring increased body fat and weakening the muscles. According to Dr. Alexandre Siciliano, this is the ideal recipe so that not only the health of the heart is in danger, but also that of the whole organism, since the sedentary lifestyle, coupled with obesity And an unhealthy diet can also cause liver, kidney and other organs problems.

“The ideal is to adopt a diet rich in vitamins, nutrients and minerals from a young age, preferably in childhood, with little or no offer of ultra -processed foods and sugar or sodium. Including exercises in everyday life, such as the practice of a sport, bodybuilding or other activities, is also essential to reduce body fat and strengthen the body,” explains the doctor.

Mito. People with confirmed cases of cardiovascular disease in the family, especially in the first degree, such as father and mother, should accompany heart health since youth. This is because many questions can be hereditary, as in the case of dyslipidemia (increased cholesterol) and myocardiopathies (diseases that alter the muscle structure of the heart and can cause heart failure).

“The sooner the patient with a family history of cardiovascular disease performs a mapping heart health And identifying high risks for certain conditions, better your follow -up will be. In many cases, this approach allows to reduce the risk of disease progression, contributing to a better quality of life, ”recalls Dr. Rafael Vilanova, Cardiology Manager at the Niterói Hospital Complex (CHN), which is also part of the Americas network.

According to the doctor, cases of chronic artery disease have been increasing significantly among young people. “Its screening begins with the clinical examination performed by the cardiologist and, when indicated, image exams are important tools for the tracking of the disease. These include calcium score, a contrast tomography that quantifies calcium plaques in coronary arteries; and coronary angiotomography, contrast examination that allows both calcified and non-calcified plaques. Evaluates the degree of obstruction and the extent of the disease, ”he explains.

4. Technologies embraced by new generations, such as Vape, do not harm the heart

Mito. Many young people believe that vape does not cause health problems when used without nicotine, which is present in common cigarettes and can cause various cardiovascular diseases, as well as irreversible damage to lungs and other important organs. However, a survey presented at the event of the North America Radiology Society of 2024, entitled “Vaping Causes Immediate Effects on Vascular Function“It showed that even without the presence of the substance, the constant use of VAPE is able to alter both flower and blood oxygenation.

Already one of the studies of last year’s event of the American College of Cardiologytitle “Electronic Nicotine Product Use Is Associated with Incident Heart Failure – The All of Us Research Program”, He revealed that the use of Vape and Electronic Cigarettes can increase the risk of developing heart failure by up to 19% – especially the preserved ejection fraction (ICFEp), which leads to heart muscle stiffness and makes it difficult to fill the organ.

According to Dr. Rafael Vilanova, Vape is not harmless and its use or use of other electronic cigarette devices should not be performed. “There is no safe level of the use of vapes or smoothnessand health damage is cumulative, ”he concludes.

By Paula Borges