No, You’re Not too Young to have a Heart Attack

Adults in the age group between 20 and 40 seldom consider themselves at risk of heart attacks, and with good reason — only 0.3% of people suffering heart attacks are in that demography. However, as per a 2019 study presented by the American College of Cardiology in its annual sessions, there is a rising trend of heart attacks in young adults. It noted that the proportion of adults under the age 40 who suffered a heart attack had risen by 2% in the previous 10 years.

These findings are not isolated. Research from the American Heart Association also found that heart attacks—usually associated with older men—are increasingly more common in younger people. On studying over 28,000 people who were hospitalized for heart attacks from 1995-2014, it was found that the occurrence of heart attacks in people in the age group of 35-54 had increased from 27% to 32%.

That brings us to an important question.

What causes heart disease in young people?

• Coronary artery disease — about 80% of heart attacks in young adults are caused by blockages in coronary arteries.
• Inborn or genetic abnormalities — about 4% of heart attacks in young adults are caused by inborn abnormalities of the coronary anatomy.
• Disorders of blood clotting — accounts for about 5% of heart attacks in young adults. .
• Blood clots and other reasons — account for the remaining 11% of heart attacks in young adults.

So what can you do to reduce the chances of a heart attack at a young age?

1. Lower cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels in your 20s, 30s, and 40s increase your risk of heart disease and heart attack. Cholesterol levels are usually high due to obesity, a diet high in sugar and too many processed foods, and a lack of physical exercise. This can be mitigated with changes in diet and lifestyle. A reduction of saturated and trans fats and regular exercise can lower your cholesterol levels. Medication can also be used to manage cholesterol.

2. Lower blood pressure: Young adults are at risk of developing heart conditions later in life if their blood pressure is higher by even small margins above normal levels. Adults in the age group of 20-40 should get their blood pressure checked at least once a year and if higher than 120/80, consult their physicians.

3. Stop smoking: In addition to causing breathing issues and being the primary cause of lung cancer, smoking increases your likelihood to develop heart disease by a massive two to four times. If you are a young adult who smokes, it is best to quit smoking before it is too late.

4. Stop substance abuse and excessive alcohol intake: It has been found that 18% of adults of ages 40 and below partake in substance abuse such as marijuana and cocaine. Substance abuse is known to frequently cause irregular heart rhythms called arrhythmias and even heart failure. Excessive alcohol intake increases blood pressure, can cause irregular heart rhythms, and cardiomyopathy—significantly increasing your chances of a heart attack. It is in your best interest to change these lifestyle habits to reduce your chances of sudden heart failure.

5. Increase physical activity: Doctors recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity for a healthy heart. Aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging or running, swimming, playing a sport, and cycling for 30 minutes a day is the kind of heart-pumping exercise recommended by doctors.

6. Improve your diet and work towards a healthy weight: Choose a diet full of nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, and nuts. The occurrence of obesity in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 is on the rise and research shows that obesity-related complications such as heart disease and heart stroke are the leading causes of preventable and premature death. A combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise are the two best weapons a young adult has against obesity and heart disease.

7. Reduce stress: Stress can create a number of harmful behaviours and body conditions such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced physical activity, and overeating. These factors increase your risk of contracting heart disease. Not smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and maintaining a positive attitude by managing stress are effective ways to keep stress at bay and keep your heart healthy.

People don’t generally have heart disease in their thirties or forties, but they should be aware. Managing your health in your 20s, 30s and 40s not only protects you and your heart now but also helps you enjoy a longer and healthier future. For more detailed information about heart conditions and how to prevent emergencies like heart attacks, book an appointment with our heart specialists at the Sagar Heart and Vascular Institute.