Heart Disease on the Rise Among Young Adults

Heart disease may seem a concern primarily for middle-aged (46–64) to older (65+) adults. However, this misconception surrounding the condition in young adults can lead to delayed diagnosis, mismanagement of symptoms, and potential serious consequences.

Approximately 20% of heart disease patients, or one in five, are under the age of 40.¹ Due to the growing prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle choices, this number is expected to rise.

Cardiovascular Disease in Younger Adults

Data from the NIH (The National Institutes of Health) shows a trend indicating that heart disease is on the rise among younger adult populations, defined as those ages 20–44.² A study that examined 13,000 young adults from 2009 to 2020 found concerning results.

Key findings:

• Diabetes: Between 2009 and 2020, the percentage of young adults (18–44) with diabetes rose from 3% to 4.1%.³
• Obesity: Over the same period, obesity rates rose from 32.7% to 40.9%.³
• High blood pressure: The incidence rate increased from 9 percent in 2009–2010 to 12 percent in 2011–2022.³

In addition to heart disease, data shows that more young adults are at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure — a trend that is particularly concerning, as heart attacks in young adults result in significant productive life loss, leading to a substantial economic burden on society.⁴

Risk Factors Impacting Cardiac Health in Young Adults

The upward trend of heart disease among young adults results from a combination of genetic and lifestyle-related risk factors.⁵ Data show an increasing prevalence of the following factors:

• Sedentary lifestyle: Insufficient physical activity and exercise.
• Poor diet: A diet of processed foods rich in saturated and trans fats and sodium.
• Smoking: Young adults who smoke, vape, and use tobacco products face an increased risk of developing heart disease due to the damage caused to blood vessels and the heightened risk of blood clots.
• Stress: Chronic stress is a common risk factor for heart disease and can lead to high blood pressure (HBP), sleep disorders, high cholesterol, and obesity.
• Substance abuse: This includes overindulgence in alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and other drug use. These substances can damage blood vessels, which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks.

These factors contribute to the development of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, all of which are recognized markers for heart disease.

Common Heart Diseases in Young Adults

Although heart disease is less common in younger adults than in older populations, several types stand out:⁶

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Plaque buildup in the arteries can reduce blood flow to the heart.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A genetic condition that leads to abnormal heart muscle thickening.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Structural heart problems present at birth may or may not be diagnosed early.
• Irregular heartbeats can lead to several complications, including stroke and heart failure.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Early detection is crucial for managing heart disease. Young adults should watch for the following:⁵

• Chest pain or discomfort is frequently characterized as a sensation of pressure or tightness.
• Experiencing shortness of breath, particularly during or after physical activity.
• Palpitations may include irregular heartbeats or a sensation of a racing heart.
• Sudden onset of cold sweats or clamminess.
• Fatigue is the experience of feeling excessively tired even after getting enough rest.
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet may indicate heart failure.
• Feeling anxious or panicky in addition to other symptoms.

Symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Like older adults, younger adult females may experience a different onset of symptoms compared to males of the same age. Both genders may exhibit atypical symptoms and dismiss them as caused by something else.

If a young adult experiences any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Are Young Adults Screened Differently for Heart Disease?

Screening can help identify risks early. Common screening methods include:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the heart’s electrical activity.
• An echocardiogram utilizes ultrasound to produce images of the heart.
• Blood tests identify heart disease markers like high cholesterol and inflammation.
• Stress tests assess how your heart performs under physical stress.
• A Holter monitor is a portable device that tracks heart rhythms for 24 hours.

Is Cardiovascular Disease Likely Inherited?

Genetics significantly influence heart disease risk. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that young adults who had survived a heart attack were more likely to have a family history of premature heart disease than older survivors.⁵

This suggests that genetics and family history increase the likelihood of similar issues. However, lifestyle choices also influence this risk. Healthy habits and regular medical check-ups can mitigate genetic predisposition.

Summarizing it all…

Heart disease affects people across all age groups, not just seniors. Young adults must recognize their cardiovascular health risks, symptoms, and preventive measures. Detecting issues early and embracing a proactive, healthy lifestyle can significantly help mitigate the risk of heart disease at any stage of life.

Ignoring or self-misdiagnosing any symptoms of heart disease can have significant implications for health and one’s well-being. Delayed treatment can lead to increased damage to the heart muscles, increased risk of complications, and life-threatening consequences.

If you are a younger adult or know someone who might be at risk due to the multifactorial nature of heart disease, early detection and taking preventative action can significantly improve outcomes.

Schedule an appointment today with a cardiac health specialist.

References

1. CDC National Center for Health Statistics, August 2024. Health, United States. Heart Disease Prevalence. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/topics/heart-disease-prevalence.htm[↩]
2. NHLBI in the News, 2023. Heart Disease among younger adults on the rise. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2023/heart-disease-risks-among-younger-adults-rise[↩]
3. Aggarwal, Rahul, Yeh, Robert, Maddox, Karen, Wadhera, Rishi, 2023. Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence, Treatment, and Control in US Adults Aged 20–44 Years. Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA). https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2802263[↩][↩][↩]
4. Napoli, N. Heart attacks increasingly common in young adults. American College of Cardiology; 2019. https://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2019/03/07/08/45/ heart-attacks-increasingly-common-in-young-adults[↩]
5. Mala, Shaveta, Deep, Upasna, Mala, Ekta. 2024. Heart Attacks in Young Adults: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Misconceptions. https://medicaljournalshouse.com/index.php/IntJ-PreventiveCardiology/article/view/1141[↩][↩][↩]
6. Leopold, Jane, Antman, Elliot, 2022. Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Young Adults with Established Cardiovascular Diseases. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2022.814610/full[↩]