Rewritten Title: A National Health Priority: Addressing the Shift in Cardiovascular Risks Among Iran’s Youth
Article:
A concerning health trend is emerging in Iran, as medical experts report a significant rise in cardiovascular diseases, particularly among the country’s younger population. This shift is prompting a national conversation on public health and preventative care.
The Changing Face of a Global Killer
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes, remain a leading cause of mortality both in Iran and globally. However, the demographic profile of those affected is changing. While these conditions once primarily impacted older adults, medical professionals are now observing a worrying increase in cases among individuals under the age of 35.
Dr. Iraj Khosronia, a specialist in internal medicine, underscores this point, stating, “Previously, heart diseases mainly affected the elderly, but now many young people under 35 are undergoing heart surgery or are hospitalized in the ICU due to cardiac conditions.”
Beyond Genetics: The Role of Modern Lifestyles
Experts are clear that while genetic predisposition plays a role, it does not fully explain the recent surge in non-communicable diseases. The core drivers identified are profound shifts in daily habits.
“The blame for these diseases cannot be placed solely on genetics,” explains Dr. Khosronia. “Genetics existed 50 years ago as well, but the statistics for heart disease were not this high then.”
The primary factors cited include:
- Dietary Changes: A move towards less nutritious food options.
- Sedentary Lifestyles: Widespread physical inactivity.
- Rising Obesity: Statistics indicate that over 50% of Iran’s population is now classified as obese or overweight, a figure that has risen dramatically in recent decades and now affects children as well.
These lifestyle factors are directly linked to the increase in conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease, all of which are precursors to more severe cardiovascular events.
The Silent Threat of Hypertension
A critical component of this health challenge is high blood pressure, a condition affecting an estimated 33% of Iranian adults. Often called a “silent killer,” more than half of those with hypertension are unaware they have it, as it can be asymptomatic until a serious event like a heart attack or stroke occurs.
Doctors emphasize that public awareness is key. “The main factor for high blood pressure is genetics,” says cardiologist Dr. Manouchehr Gharuni, “but beyond genetics, lifestyle also plays a major role in the development or prevention of this condition.”
Preventative measures strongly recommended by specialists include:
- Regularly monitoring blood pressure, even for healthy individuals.
- Drastically reducing salt intake, which in Iran is reported to be three times the global standard.
- Increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Avoiding smoking and managing chronic stress.
The convergence of these lifestyle factors presents a significant public health challenge. Addressing them through increased public awareness and proactive health management is becoming a central focus for safeguarding the nation’s health, particularly for its younger generations.