Saed News: A cardiologist, emphasizing that not every chest pain or sharp stabbing sensation means heart disease, said that in recent years the age of coronary artery disease has decreased alarmingly, and cases of artery blockage and even heart attacks are now seen in 20-year-olds.
According to SAEDNEWS, Homa Qaderian, a cardiologist and subspecialist in adult congenital heart disease and assistant professor at Tehran Heart Center Hospital, said in an interview that cardiovascular diseases are becoming increasingly common. She stated that currently the most common heart diseases are coronary artery diseases, and the rising prevalence of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and high blood pressure, along with the decreasing age of onset, has led to more cases being observed.
She added that a large proportion of patients visiting cardiology clinics suffer from coronary artery disease, which is clearly visible in specialized heart centers.
The cardiologist explained that many people become worried about heart disease due to symptoms such as stabbing chest pain, burning sensations, or brief chest discomfort. However, these symptoms alone are not typical signs of coronary artery disease.
She continued that patient evaluation is not based on a single symptom, and overall conditions matter greatly. For example, a 60-year-old man with a history of smoking and diabetes who complains of chest pain requires a full cardiac evaluation, as his risk is high.
In contrast, an 18- or 19-year-old woman without underlying diseases experiencing occasional chest pain is much less likely to have coronary artery disease.
The assistant professor noted a concerning trend: the age of cardiovascular disease onset is decreasing worldwide, including in Iran. Even 20-year-olds are now seen with coronary artery blockage or heart attacks.
She attributed this to increased smoking at younger ages, obesity, diabetes, inactivity, and unhealthy diets.
She also stated that treatment costs have increased significantly in recent years, especially in the private sector, and the rising price of essential heart medications has made treatment more expensive for patients.
