Young adults & the heart

The warning issued by the head of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Dr Mahendra Carpen, on Tuesday regarding a troubling increase in sudden deaths among young adults in Guyana should serve as a serious warning for the nation.
His observations, pointing to cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of these unexpected fatalities, highlight a public health concern that can no longer be viewed as distant or exceptional. It is becoming increasingly present in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
Dr Carpen’s account of individuals in their 20s to 40s dying unexpectedly, often during sleep or routine daily activities, emphasises the silent and often undetected nature of heart disease. Sudden cardiac death, as he explains, is typically triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart, leading to abnormal rhythms that can rapidly become fatal. While such events may appear sudden, they are frequently the result of underlying conditions that develop over time, often without obvious symptoms until it is too late.
Of particular concern is the indication that blockages in the heart remain the most common cause. However, the spectrum of contributing factors is broad and increasingly evident among younger populations. These include inflammation of the heart muscle, infections, severe and uncontrolled hypertension, and structural changes such as enlarged or stiffened heart muscles. In some cases, inherited conditions may also predispose individuals to sudden cardiac events.
What is especially alarming is Dr Carpen’s assertion that younger people in Guyana are now presenting with more serious forms of heart disease than in previous years. This includes not only coronary blockages but also weakened heart muscles linked to inflammation or infection, alongside complications arising from chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. These conditions, once more commonly associated with older age groups, are increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults.
Lifestyle factors cannot be ignored in this evolving health landscape, as smoking, poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and delayed medical consultation are all contributing to the rising burden of cardiovascular disease. While medical science continues to advance in diagnosis and treatment, prevention remains the most effective defence against heart-related illnesses.
Dr Carpen’s emphasis on recognising warning signs is particularly critical, as symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and light-headedness should never be dismissed as minor or temporary discomforts. Equally important is the recognition of reduced tolerance for routine physical activity, which may indicate an underlying cardiac issue developing silently. Too often, these signs are ignored until a medical emergency occurs.
At the heart of this issue lies a broader challenge, the need for a cultural shift in how health is perceived and managed. Regular medical check-ups remain one of the most underutilised tools in disease prevention. Early detection of hypertension, elevated cholesterol, or abnormal heart function can significantly reduce the risk of severe outcomes. Yet, many individuals only seek medical attention when symptoms become severe or debilitating.
Regular screenings, particularly for individuals with risk factors such as family history, smoking habits, obesity, or sedentary lifestyles, should become a norm rather than an exception. Health institutions and practitioners must continue to strengthen public education on cardiovascular risk and encourage proactive engagement with healthcare services.
Equally important is the conversation around diet, and there must be a clear distinction between dietary responsibility and restrictive eating. Responsible dietary practices do not mean deprivation, but rather informed choices, reducing excessive salt, sugar, and saturated fats while incorporating balanced nutrition that supports long-term heart health.
Physical activity also remains a cornerstone of cardiovascular health, and even moderate exercise, when done consistently, can significantly reduce risk factors associated with heart disease.
Dr Carpen’s warning should not be viewed in isolation, as the loss of young lives to preventable or manageable conditions is a tragedy that society can ill afford to normalise. Heart health must no longer be an afterthought.