Why is heart attack increasing in young people and what should be considered?

The rise in heart attacks among young adults is alarming, and the worsening outcomes for women are also noteworthy. Studies show that heart problems are on the rise among young adults, due to factors such as poor lifestyle habits, insufficient exercise and poor diet. Some research states that COVID infections increase heart attacks.

Heart attack cases on the rise in young people

A particularly worrying trend is that while the rate of heart attacks among older adults is declining, it is increasing among younger adults. Many doctors see this as a public health emergency. Recent events clearly highlight these concerns. The cardiac arrest of 18-year-old Bronny James, son of NBA star LeBron James, has raised broader questions about youth and heart health.

Cardiac arrest is not the same thing as cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating, differing from a heart attack in which blood flow to the heart is completely or partially blocked. Cardiac arrest can be caused by various conditions such as thickened heart muscle, heart failure, irregular heartbeat. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back or arms, shortness of breath, and fatigue. But because cardiac arrest can be caused by a variety of conditions besides the reasons we’ve mentioned above, it’s difficult for doctors to investigate and determine if it’s becoming more common in young adults.

A study conducted at two hospitals in the United States between 2000 and 2016 found that 20 percent of young adults presenting for a heart attack were 40 years of age or younger, increasing by 2 percent annually over the past 10 years. A study published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2019 also showed that people who have had a heart attack age 40 or younger have a higher risk of a second heart attack, stroke, or death as older adults.

The situation is more serious in women.

The problem isn’t unique to the United States, of course, but the rate of heart attacks among young adults appears to be on the rise in other countries as well. Studies show that heart attacks occur at younger ages, especially in countries such as Pakistan and India. Recent studies show that the rate of heart attack among young women is higher than that of young men, and the outcome is worse. In these studies, it is stated that young women are more black and have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Risk factors for heart disease include conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. These factors can block arteries and blood vessels, blocking and damaging the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Research also reveals that most young, healthy-looking people who have a heart attack have an underlying health problem.

COVID-19 impact

COVID, on the other hand, appears to have a more immediate impact on cardiovascular health. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Medical Virology found that heart attack deaths rose 14 percent in the first year of the pandemic. The greatest increase was seen among adults aged 25 to 44.

It is stated that COVID-19 can increase the formation of blood clots, which can increase inflammatory responses in the body, making the blood thicker and stickier, which can lead to clogged arteries and heart attack. However, it is still unclear why young adults appear to be more vulnerable to the cardiovascular complications of COVID.

Other factors, such as tobacco, cocaine, marijuana and alcohol use, are also associated with an increased risk of heart attack in young adults.

Young adults are not aware of their risks

But young adults do not seem to be aware of these risks. A survey by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center shows that young adults are unaware of their risk of heart disease. Also, the majority of young adults with significant risk factors do not believe they are at risk for a heart attack, and more importantly, they say their doctors have not told them they are at risk. But teenagers are not the only culprits, and health systems are not designed to detect heart disease in young people.

Early action is important to reduce the risk of heart attack. The American Heart Association AHA emphasizes the importance of keeping track of your weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, along with basic measures such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, and adequate sleep.