Dr. Kulkarni: Unstable Plaque Causes Sudden 100% Heart Block in Youth

• Heart attacks are rapidly increasing among youth, often due to 'plaque rupture' rather than blockages.
• Unstable plaque, formed by LDL, fat, and inflammation, can rupture, causing a clot and sudden 100% arterial blockage, even with low initial blockage.
• Lifestyle factors like office stress, lack of sleep, junk food, smoking, and high LDL/triglycerides contribute to unstable plaque.
• Morning hours are high-risk for heart events due to blood pressure spikes.
• Prevention includes maintaining LDL below 70, quitting smoking, regular exercise, 7-8 hours of sleep, weight control, and statins.

Why It Matters: Unstable plaque from lifestyle causes sudden heart attacks in young, healthy people.