New figures from the British Heart Foundation paint a troubling picture for cardiovascular health across the UK.

Heart-related deaths amongst working-age adults have surged by 18 per cent since 2019, with nearly 22,000 people under 65 dying from cardiac conditions in 2023 alone.

This equates to more than 400 deaths each week amongst Britain's working population, marking a significant reversal in what had been decades of steady improvement in heart health outcomes.

The United States has experienced an even steeper increase, with a 30 per cent rise in heart attack deaths amongst those aged 25 to 44, prompting leading cardiac surgeon Inder Birdi to issue a stark warning about the deteriorating state of cardiovascular health in Britain.

Fortunately, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can significantly reduce risk, with the surgeon advocating batch-cooking healthy meals to avoid processed food reliance.

Lifestyle factors could be fuelling the alarming trend

"This is the worst start to a decade for heart health in 50 years," the consultant at The Keyhole Heart Clinic stated.

Birdi identified five key factors driving the alarming trend.

"What's most concerning is that so many of these deaths are avoidable," he shared. "We're seeing a perfect storm of risk factors, stress, obesity, inactivity, poor diet, and the long shadow of COVID-19 all taking a serious toll on heart health," he explained.

The surgeon emphasised that with proper knowledge and discipline, this worrying pattern could be reversed.

Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are all part of the problem, warned Dr Birdi.

"These three conditions are like a ticking time bomb for your heart. Each one significantly raises your risk of heart disease, and they’re all becoming more common in younger adults."

The coronavirus pandemic has left lasting damage on cardiovascular systems, with the virus causing heart inflammation and blood clotting issues.

Healthcare disruptions during lockdowns meant many people missed crucial check-ups and ignored warning symptoms.

Rising rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension amongst younger adults are creating what Birdi describes as "a ticking time bomb" for heart health.

Sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices are particularly affecting those managing demanding careers and family responsibilities.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack

Additionally, chronic stress from financial pressures, job uncertainty and social media has direct physiological effects on the heart. Extended NHS waiting lists have compounded the crisis, with delayed diagnoses proving fatal in some cases.

Birdi recommends six evidence-based strategies to protect cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity is crucial, with 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly proving effective, even broken into 10-minute segments.

Complete smoking cessation remains essential, with NHS support services available. Stress management through breathwork or meditation for just five minutes daily can help lower cortisol levels.

Quality sleep of seven to nine hours nightly is vital. Regular health monitoring, including blood pressure and cholesterol checks, enables early intervention when problems arise.