Corporate stress, pollution & lifestyle: The perfect storm behind early cardiac events

It’s no longer just something that you get when you’re older but there is an alarming increase in the occurrence of cardiac events at younger ages (30s and 40s) in major metropolitan areas in India that has cardiologists concerned. In particular, professionals who are employed in high-pressure settings (such as the corporate sector), show a huge increase in cardiac events occurring at a younger age than previously anticipated.There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that chronic stress at the workplace is a primary driver of this increase in event occurrence because working long hours, having to meet constant deadlines, not being able to get enough sleep, and being unable to achieve a reasonable work/life balance, cause increased sustained levels of stress-related hormones (cortisol) in the body which leads to the development of high blood pressure, abnormal rhythms of the heart and increasing the build-up of plaque in the arteries.Adding to this risk is air pollution, now recognised as a significant but underappreciated cardiac trigger. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) causes vascular inflammation, increases blood viscosity, and promotes clot formation. Even short-term exposure to high pollution levels can precipitate acute cardiac events, especially in individuals with underlying risk factors.Lifestyle choices further compound the problem. Sedentary behaviour, unhealthy diets rich in processed foods, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and irregular sleep patterns contribute to obesity, diabetes, and abnormal cholesterol levels, conditions that hasten coronary artery disease at a young age.When corporate stress, pollution exposure, and unhealthy lifestyle habits coexist, they create a perfect storm for premature heart disease, often striking without warning.The way forward lies in early screening, stress management, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stronger workplace wellness initiatives. Recognising these risks early and acting on them can prevent avoidable cardiac events and save young lives.Heart disease in the young is no longer rare, but it is largely preventable.Dr Sunil Wadhwa, Associate Director- Cardiology, Max Hospital, Gurugram