Facing the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction before the age of 30
Mr. Le Minh Hung, 27 years old, an office worker in Hanoi, never thought he could have heart disease when he was young. However, the amnestic chest pain became more and more common, until he had to be hospitalized in critical condition. The doctor diagnosed him with an acute myocardial infarction, with a serious blockage of the coronary artery. "I think it's work stress, staying up late and drinking a lot of coffee. Unexpectedly, these habits have almost killed me" - Mr. Hung shared.
Not only Mr. Hung, the doctors also recorded many similar cases.
According to statistics, 84% of all deaths in Vietnam are caused by non-communicable diseases, of which cardiovascular disease accounts for 31% and cancer accounts for 19%. alarmingly, for every 10 people who die from non-communicable diseases, 4 are young people.
Diseases that previously occurred mainly in the elderly such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cerebral vascular complications have now become a threat to even young people.
Modern lifestyle: A double-edged sword
The case of Ms. Le Thi Ha, 17 years old, living in Ha Dong, Hanoi is a clear proof. She went to the hospital because of severe pain in the joint of her feet and the test results showed that she had acute gout. A diet rich in protein, consuming a lot of sweets and a sedentary lifestyle are the causes of diseases at a very young age.
Environmental pollution, especially air pollution and foods containing toxic chemicals, also contribute to an increased risk of diseases such as inflammation, immune disorders and cancer.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Sinh Hien - Director of Hanoi Heart Hospital, Chairman of Hanoi Cardiology Association - said: " cardio and coronary artery diseases in young people have increased by 15-20% in recent years. Work pressure, unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles are factors that speed up the disease outbreak process."
Stress also increases the hormone cortisol, which negatively affects the cardiovascular system, blood pressure and metabolism of the body. In addition, the habit of smoking and abusing alcohol and beer also causes the body to quickly weaken.
Take immediate action to prevent the wave of diseases
Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Dac Phu - former Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Health - commented that Vietnam currently does not have a specific legal framework to control non-communicable diseases. However, in Resolution No.7/ND-CP dated June 2024, the Government decided to include the Law on Disease Prevention in the National Assembly's law-making program in 2025. This is considered a positive signal to strengthen disease prevention and control in the community.
Health experts recommend increasing exercise: At least 30 minutes a day to reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders; Scientific diet: Limit consumption of sugar, fat and processed foods; Regular health check-ups: At least 6 months/time to detect early risks of disease; Stress management: Maintain a relaxed spirit, control stress with methods such as meditation and yoga.
Each individual needs to change right now to protect their own health, while reducing pressure on the health system. This is not only an individual problem, but also a common responsibility of the whole society.
