WHY DO SOME YOUNG PEOPLE SUFFER FROM MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION?

On New Year’s Day in 2021, the news of 25-year-old actress Sun Qiaolu’s sudden death from myocardial infarction appeared in hot searches, arousing heated discussion.

Generally speaking, after people reach the age of 40, the risk of atherosclerosis is increasing. The lesion of the affected arteries starts from the intima. Next, with the accumulation of lipids and complex sugars, bleeding and thrombosis occur. Then, the proliferation of fibrous tissue, calcinosis and gradual degeneration and calcification of the middle layer of the artery lead to thickening and hardening of the arterial wall and narrowing of the vascular lumen. Lesions often involve the major and middle muscular arteries. Once the disease develops enough to block the arterial lumen, the tissues or organs supplied by the artery will be ischemic or necrotic.

Why does atherosclerosis occur in young people?

Guo Jinjian, director of Cardiovascular Medicine Department and Invasive Technology Department of Fujian Second People’s Hospital, stated in the column of Sharing Doctors, ”This is usually caused by the sudden rupture of small, vulnerable plaques in the body, which are induced by factors such as overwork and cold weather. Prevention is better than cure! First, young people shall change their lifestyle, which is too important. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less stuff that is high in saturated fat, and maintain a low-salt diet. Second, keep your mind calm and smooth your emotions. Third, don’t overwork. Either physical or mental fatigue will have a great impact on the body. Avoid staying up late and stay asleep. Fourth, cold weather will lead to a high incidence of myocardial infarction. Measures must be taken to prevent cold. Fifth, drug prevention. For the prevention of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, we need to take corresponding drug treatment and carefully follow the doctor to take the medicine on time.”