New Delhi, Dec. 16 -- Many people frequently perceive cardiac arrest as a disease that affects only the elderly. In recent years, however, doctors have observed an alarming increase in sudden cardiac events among people in their 20s, 30s and early 40s.

Long hours on the job, chronic stress, a lack of sleep, smoking or vaping and undiagnosed heart conditions, as well as sedentary lifestyles, are silently increasing risk. However, the early cardiac arrest can usually be prevented by knowing what to look for and taking prompt action.

"The heart does not suddenly fail in young persons,'' said Dr Raghavendra Iyer, a senior cardiologist in Chennai who specialises in preventive heart care. "It sends warning signals for years - but they can go ...