Experts discuss rules for choosing a pathology laboratory and the importance of personalized testing

Despite several years having passed since the COVID-19 pandemic, the question often arises whether a sudden illness or heart attack in a young person is a consequence of coronavirus. At the Health Wealth Summit forum, specialists held an open discussion on this serious topic.

Leading doctors from the country participated in the session: Senior Cardiologist Dr. Padmashri D.S. Gambhir, Dr. Manoj Kumar, Dr. Sanjay Sachdeva, and Gynecologist Dr. Priti Agrawal. They thoroughly discussed the true causes of the increase in heart disease among youth, stress, and fertility problems in women.

Dr. Padmashri D.S. Gambhir emphasized that while the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the blood clotting system and organs, contributing to the rise in heart disease cases, it is incorrect to blame the coronavirus exclusively. He presented statistics showing that less than half of young patients with a heart attack had ever had COVID-19, whereas over 70% of such patients had never encountered the infection. This indicates that lifestyle changes and other medical factors play an equally significant role.

Dr. Manoj Kumar reported that a study conducted in the UK showed an increased risk of heart attack in people who recovered from COVID-19 because the virus affects the inner lining of blood vessels. However, besides this, other significant 'unconventional risk factors' are rapidly emerging. One of these is a sedentary lifestyle: the risk of a heart attack doubles for people who spend more than ten hours a day sitting. Dr. Sanjay Sachdeva added that factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity are causing problems in young people at a very early age. Furthermore, weakened immunity and nasal and sinus hygiene issues make the body more susceptible to other infections.

Dr. Gambhir explained that mental stress and our work style directly determine health status. He highlighted 'Type A Personality'—people who constantly experience anxiety, participate in competitive races, and take everything to heart; these individuals are at the highest risk of heart attack. Conversely, people with 'Type B Personality,' who remain calm about work and leave office worries at home, remain safer. Doctors advise developing a 'Developed India,' but without immersing oneself in the 'stress furnace' or bringing office stress home.

Discussing reproductive health, Dr. Priti Agrawal noted that during COVID-19, many couples postponed family planning. Naturally, the quality and quantity of eggs in women decrease with age. Women who decided to conceive after the age of 30–35 faced difficulties. Additionally, the growing prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption, and excessive stress among modern youth negatively affects their reproductive health. Therefore, instead of blaming only COVID-19, it is much more important to seek medical consultation in a timely manner.

The general message from the experts was that changing lifestyles, fast food, lack of physical exercise, and excessive psychological stress have become the main enemies of health. If diet and daily routine are adjusted in time, the probability of developing heart disease and other serious problems can be significantly reduced.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of heart diseases. To prevent their development, doctors advise undergoing cholesterol level testing, especially for individuals who have reached the age of 35. According to data from the American Heart Association and NHLBI, some people have an increased risk of developing heart diseases. Since high cholesterol is one of the risk factors for heart disease, timely checking of this indicator is necessary to protect against the risk of a heart attack.

Dr. Tarun Kumar from the Cardiology Department of Mulchand Hospital in Delhi emphasized the critical importance of maintaining normal cholesterol levels in the body, as this helps protect against numerous cardiac pathologies. Although there are other causes of heart disease, cholesterol control remains indispensable. Given the increase in morbidity, conducting appropriate tests has become a vital step for prevention. For determining cholesterol levels, people over 35 are recommended to undergo a lipid profile test, but this check should also be done by other population groups.

Cholesterol testing is recommended for those who are overweight, suffer from diabetes, have high blood pressure or kidney diseases, as well as those with a family history of heart disease. Additionally, people who smoke and drink alcohol should also undergo this check.

The total cholesterol level in the body should be less than 200 mg/dL. A range from 200 to 239 mg/dL is considered borderline, and a level of 240 mg/dL and above is classified as elevated total cholesterol. It is also important that LDL levels are below 100 mg/dL, and HDL levels exceed 40 mg/dL.

To control cholesterol levels, it is recommended to exercise daily for half an hour. It is necessary to avoid excessive consumption of fried food and fast food, as well as limiting the intake of large amounts of oil.

Even if cholesterol levels in the body are within the normal range, this does not guarantee the absence of heart disease or the risk of a heart attack. Doctors emphasize that the state of the heart cannot be assessed based on a single blood test. The level of Lp(a) must also be taken into account.

Professor Dr. Tarun Kumar from the Cardiology Department of Mulchand Hospital explained that the arteries supplying blood to the heart are called coronary arteries. When cholesterol accumulates on the inner wall of these arteries, plaque forms. Sometimes the top layer of this plaque can rupture, leading to the formation of a thrombus. This thrombus can obstruct blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack, even when cholesterol levels are normal.

The risk of a heart attack depends not only on the overall cholesterol level; Lp(a) can also increase this danger. This indicator is called lipoprotein(a) and is largely determined by genetics. Although most people undergo a lipid profile test, they often skip the Lp(a) check because it is not included in the standard analysis, and a separate blood test is required to determine this indicator.

There is a risk of a heart attack if the Lp(a) level reaches or exceeds 125 nmol/L or 50 mg/dL. Everyone is recommended to take the Lp(a) test at least once. If an elevated level is detected, treatment should be undertaken according to a doctor's recommendation to reduce the threat of a heart attack. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to maintain normal cholesterol levels, lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, and control stress levels.