‘I Had a Heart Attack at 26’: Holding on to Hope as a Young Survivor

A heart attack may seem like a problem associated with old age, but it is rapidly affecting the youth.

A heart attack may seem like a problem associated with old age, but it is rapidly turning into one that comprehensively affects the youth.

(Photo: iStock)

Tarun (name changed) would have never thought that he would be a heart attack survivor at 26. Having turned 29 recently, Tarun looks back upon his journey as a young survivor.

He recalls coming back home from his friend’s place after a Diwali party when his back began to hurt.

After waiting for 2.5 hours, Tarun walked to a nearby hospital and thought he'd get a strong antacid to relieve the pain. However, he got his ECG checked and was told that it was a heart attack.

He was then shifted to another hospital and remained admitted for three days.

Some doctors recommended placing a stent, but Tarun’s parents consulted another doctor who said that the blockage could be managed with medication.

Smoking, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle can all increase the risk of heart diseases. Tarun states that he quit smoking and switched to healthier food options.

He also mentions taking Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sessions with a psychologist, which helped him recover mentally. He says that the incident was a wake-up call for him.