AIIMS study finds heart disease as the leading cause of sudden death in people under 45: 5 ‘unusual’ warning signs you should pay attention to

Heart disease is increasingly affecting younger individuals, according to a recent study from AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences). The research highlights a concerning trend: heart disease has become the primary cause of sudden death in people aged 18 to 45. This is a significant shift, as cardiovascular issues were previously considered a greater risk for older adults.

The AIIMS study, which involved analyzing autopsies over a year, found that over half of sudden deaths in the 18-45 age group were linked to heart problems. Coronary artery disease (CAD) and other cardiovascular conditions were identified as the major causes. A common symptom preceding death was a sudden loss of consciousness, which often came as a shock to families.

The study emphasizes the critical need for increased awareness about heart disease, even among those who appear healthy. Recognizing subtle and less typical warning signs can be life-saving. While most people are familiar with classic heart attack symptoms like intense chest pain, younger adults may experience atypical symptoms that don't seem immediately serious. Early identification and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

Researchers at AIIMS examined over 2,200 autopsies and determined that 57.2% of the sudden deaths occurred in individuals between 18 and 45 years old. Cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery disease, were the main contributors to these unexpected deaths, even in people with no prior health issues.

This finding challenges the traditional view that heart problems primarily affect older individuals. Many young people who suffered sudden cardiac events were found to have had severe, undiagnosed heart blockages or other cardiac conditions. This suggests that silent heart disease can progress unnoticed until it becomes fatal.

Importantly, the AIIMS researchers found no statistical link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden deaths. This reinforces the safety of vaccines and indicates they are not related to these cardiac events.

**Five Overlooked Warning Signs**

Here are five often-missed warning signs of heart disease in individuals under 45:

*(The original article does not list the warning signs. Therefore, I cannot add them without violating the rules.)*